National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers

IGEN Engagement

NOBCChE, which is an IGEN partner, helps to inform undergraduates about the value of graduate education and help to demystify the process of applying to graduate school.

About the Society

The mission of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) is to build an eminent cadre of successful diverse global leaders in STEM and advance their professional endeavors by adding value to their academic, development, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors throughout the life-cycle of their careers. To that end we have established educational partnerships with school districts, municipalities, businesses, universities, and other organizations in the public and private sectors to provide and support local, regional, national, and global programs that assist people of color in fully realizing their potential in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits in chemistry, chemical engineering, and allied fields.  

We embrace professional development that takes our students from the classroom to the corner office. Our goal is to make an impact in the following areas:

• K-12 STEM Education: We promote careers in science and technology as an achievable goal for elementary, middle, and high school students. For over twenty years at the regional and national levels annually, we have organized and sponsored the NOBCChE National Science Bowl for junior and high schools students from across the Nation.

• University/College Student Development and Advancement: Through our hallmark networking and career development programs, we encourage college students to pursue graduate degrees in STEM disciplines and serve as a conduit that connects industry, government and educational institutions to talented underrepresented scientists and engineers. NOBCChE has distributed over $1.6M in undergraduate and graduate scholarships, fellowships, and other awards. Since 2010, NOBCChE has funded over 2,000 students to attended the NOBCChE National Conference. Of those students, approximately 90% presented their scientific research and received one-on-one mentoring from professional volunteers, abstract reviewers, exhibiting partners, and conference judges.

• Professional Development and Advancement:  Our professional programs are focused on helping our members advance their careers. We help them achieve their career goals by providing opportunities for career development coaching and training, significant career moves through networking, and positive community involvement. Additionally, we annually recognize minority scientists and engineers through professional awards to enhance their professional profile and create a network of role models who can serve as inspiration to others.