September was a productive month for leaders of SHPE’s North Texas and Dallas–Fort Worth Professional Chapters, who met with Fort Worth city leaders and members of the City Council, including Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores, the Council’s only sitting member with a STEM background. The meetings explored ways local chapters are already preparing the talent necessary for the growing workforce needs of the city’s nationally recognized defense corridor and emerging technology sectors, and the possibility of Fort Worth hosting a future SHPE National Convention.
Building on the momentum of Dallas’ Advocacy Day, chapter members emphasized the importance of introducing young people and their families to STEM through programs such as Noche de Ciencias (Night of Science), Día de Ciencias (Day of Science), and Equipando Padres (Equipping Parents). These family-centered programs spark curiosity, build trust, and help SHPE’s chapters identify and address barriers that may prevent students from seeing themselves in the wide range of careers a STEM education can unlock.
As field professionals, members drew on their own experiences to highlight how the InternSHPE, ScholarSHPE, and MentorSHPE programs give students and rising professionals the networks, guidance, and experience needed to complete their STEM education, launch successful careers, and contribute to society from day one after graduation. More importantly, they added that STEM professionals need to strengthen their technical expertise, adapt to evolving tools and workplace demands, and develop the durable skills that turn knowledge into long-term impact. As we experience higher integration of emerging technologies in STEM fields, problem-solving, creativity, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills enable longevity among STEM professionals, helping them navigate complex challenges, work effectively across sectors, and become the industry and public-service leaders Fort Worth needs to support its growing economy, infrastructure, and communities.
As a major employer of STEM professionals at every career level, the city has a direct interest in strengthening the local talent pipeline, making it a natural partner for SHPE’s local chapter members and the communities they serve. The conversations highlighted opportunities to connect students and professionals with the education, experience, and support they need to succeed in high-demand STEM careers. One area of focus was supporting more engineers as they progress from Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification to Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. The group also discussed expanding professional development and recruiting and preparing the licensed professionals needed to deliver infrastructure for a growing population.
The discussion also reinforced a shared commitment to moving beyond individual programs toward a coordinated, long-term strategy. By aligning SHPE’s community reach and workforce-development programs with the city’s priorities and employer needs, Fort Worth can build a stronger talent ecosystem, one that expands access to STEM, supports professionals throughout their careers, and prepares more residents to contribute to the region’s continued growth. This work extends across council districts and creates opportunities to unite city and state partners around the region’s talent needs.
SHPE is energized by the possibilities ahead and ready to bring students, families, professionals, employers, community organizations, and city leaders together around this shared vision. We thank the city leaders who met with us and look forward to turning Fort Worth’s first SHPE Advocacy Day into lasting collaboration across the city.
