Multicultural Engineering Program

The Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) is located at 1700 Maple Street in Coolbaugh House - the house between Mines Market at the Student Rec Center. MEP is committed to supporting traditionally underrepresented and first-generation students in science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines. We work to build a community of equity, inclusion, and support through professional development workshops, tutoring, scholarships, research and internship opportunities, cultural celebrations, and connections to professional societies. MEP also contributes to the recruitment, retention, and graduation of students historically underrepresented in STEM and provides professional development as related to equity and inclusion to students, staff, and faculty. MEP House is open to all students and has computers, free printing, school supplies, a student kitchen, and a prayer/meditation room. 

MEP supports the following professional societies and student organizations: American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM), Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and Kickstart.

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a nonprofit national organization that represents American Indians and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science, and other related technology disciplines. The mission of AISES is to substantially increase the representation of American Indians and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science, and other related technology disciplines. Through the quality and reach of its programs and the longevity and devoted commitment of its “family,” AISES is the undisputed leader in STEM opportunity in Indian Country. Members from over 200 tribal nations are represented within AISES, and AISES enjoys the support and partnership of corporate, government, academic, and tribal decision-makers.

Kickstart is a student organization at the Colorado School of Mines dedicated to building an inclusive community that enables the sharing and exploration of diverse identities. In the past we’ve held a variety of events surrounding DI&A such as a discussion about AAPI Hate and a tech-equity focused Hackathon through the Computer Science Department. We work with many organizations including Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Arthur Lakes Library, and the Multicultural Engineering Program. Our current goals are to build a sustainable vehicle for DI&A efforts at Mines while also empowering Kickstart members to develop the skills necessary for creating social impact.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is dedicated to the success of African-American engineering students and professionals. NSBE offers its members leadership training, professional development activities, mentoring opportunities, career placement services and more. NSBE’s mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” The NSBE torch symbolizes the organization’s everlasting, burning desire to achieve success in this competitive society and to effect positive change in the quality of life of all people. The goal of the Society is to replicate its mission and vision in countries around the world, creating a global network of Black engineers, scientists and technologists. NSBE has accomplished more for Black engineering students than any other organization in the world.

Out in Science, Engineering, Technology & Mathematics (oSTEM) is a national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQA communities in the STEM fields. The Mines Chapter of oSTEM, formerly GLBTA Engineers: Sigma Lambda, is a community driven club in place to give support to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students at Mines. We hold events for both out members, as well as to educate the Mines campus. We offer many opportunities for students to become involved with our chapter through weekly meetings, social events, and advocacy. This is a great challenge-by-choice organization in which you can decide which activities you want to participate in and which ones you may not want to. Additionally, this organization offers various professional meetings with companies and prepares students with easily transferrable communication and problem-solving skills.

Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) is dedicated to the advancement of Asian heritage scientists and engineers in education and employment so that they can achieve their full career potential. In addition to professional development, SASE also encourages members to contribute to the enhancement of the communities in which they live. SASE membership is open to men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. SASE’s mission is to prepare Asian heritage scientists and engineers for success in the global business world, celebrate diversity on campuses and in the workplace, and provide opportunities for members to make contributions to their local communities.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is a nonprofit organization that exists for the advancement of Hispanic engineering students to become professional engineers and scientists, to increase the number of Hispanics entering into the field of engineering, and to develop and implement programs benefiting Hispanics seeking to become engineers and scientists. Anyone interested in joining may do so. Mission: SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. Vision: SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

For further information, visit mep.mines.edu or contact:

Dra. Stepheny Beauchamp, Director, Multicultural Engineering Program
Colorado School of Mines
1700 Maple Street
Golden, CO 80401
303-273-3021
sbeauchamp@mines.edu