On July 12, 1970, 34 concerned African American engineers and several from the Caribbean and Africa living in the Bay Area and Sacramento met at the home of Howard Grant in San Francisco. The purpose of the meeting was to establish camaraderie, and to act as a pressure group as needed to enhance the professional opportunities of black engineers. Initially, emphasis was placed on becoming registered Professional Engineers. This was largely due to the fact that more than two thirds of the first members were civil engineers. Later the number of disciplines represented in the organization began to diversify, with no one discipline having a clear majority, and more scientists joined. Today, the organization addresses the needs of scientists and engineers.
CHARTER MEMBERS
In 1974, the organization was incorporated as a non profit organization in the State of California, and in 1986 it achieved exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization formed for charitable and educational purposes. Although professional development continues to be emphasized, the need to encourage more African Americans to enter technical fields has become more apparent. Activities are designed to motivate youth and to increase public awareness of the impact of technology on their lives and future. The organization has sponsored high school field trips, provided speakers, and hosted conferences for the past 30 years, mostly for African American college, local high school and middle school students. In the New Millenniium, NCCBPE embarks on its more amibitious endeavor to create a permanent museum focus on African American contribuions to science and engineering and to create a place where lay people and youth can enjoy the self discovery of science.
In the late 1970's, NCCBPE took the leadership role in establishing a regional network with the
other two African American engineering organizations in Los Angeles, San Diego and Seattle, Washington. This network became the Western Regional Science and Engineering Council. One of the NCCBPE members founded the Arizona Council of Black Engineers and Scientists. Currently, NCCBPE is a member council of the National Council of Black Engineers and Scientists which superseded the Western Regional Council.
In the 1990's, NCCBPE strives to work with other technical groups to realize their goals to promote technical awareness and youth motivation. Efforts are not restricted to the United States, but are extended to the African Diaspora.
Northern California Council of Black Professional Engineers (NCCBPE) has been involved since the early 1970’s in youth motivation programs, which are designed to encourage African Americans and other minorities to pursue technical careers. Annually, NCCBPE sponsors a trip for several hundred students to the UC Davis Open House, to introduce them to the engineering science facilities.
Also, NCCBPE has developed scholarship programs which has several major components. The Spirit of Unity Scholarship Fund,: an academic scholarship funded by members, the F.E. Jordan Scholarship, and several corporate scholarships.
NCCBPE is a member and one of the founders of the National Council of Black Engineers and Scientists. It has begun to collaborate with other African American Technical Organizations in events like the Unity Banquet. NCCBPE's International Committee has taken a leadership role in developing a working relationship with the African Regional Technology Center in Dakar, Senegal. The main objective of the relationship is to establish technical links between African and African American engineers and scientists to assist in the science led development of Africa. Current projects include the introduction of Solar Technology to villagers in Ghana to improve their quality of life, and a pilot educational exchange between other members of the African Diaspora.
NCCBPE