2021 SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) UA Alumni Scholarship Campaign

SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) is a national organization that raises awareness, provides access and prepares Hispanic students and professionals to become leaders in the STEM field. The SHPE University of Arizona student chapter does all of this and much more. SHPE UA is committed to supporting their community by planning outreach events to teach elementary-high school students about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and they also cater to the older community by teaching them how to use a computer through their annual event La Familia. You can learn more about SHPE UA here. SHPE UA also provides resume reviews and professional development workshops for their members.

In 2015, an idea was born to get alumni donations to send SHPE UA students to the SHPE National Conference because as SHPE UA Alumni, we recognize how impactful going to the conference can be, not just in terms of internships and full time opportunities, but also for personal and professional development.

In the last six years of the scholarship, we have raised over $25,000 and sent over 80 students to the Convention and we continue to grow each year thanks to our wonderful alumni; you are truly the driving force behind this initiative.

Last year, we raised the most money in the history of the scholarship: $6,400! The money was used to send 15 students to the virtual Convention AND we also provided financial assistance to students impacted by the pandemic.

The SHPE National Convention is the largest Hispanic technical conference held in the United States. The purpose of this convention is to give members the opportunity to enhance their leadership, technical and professional skills through various professional setting events. The Convention consists of workshops, technical competitions, design contests and one of the largest career fairs. Many of the past donors have contributed to this effort because they have attended the conference as a student or are current recruiters and know how beneficial it can be. We have received so much from SHPE UA as students, and now as professionals we are in a position to give back.

The goal of the scholarship is to continue to grow. A big reason why we raised so much money these last few years is because we have alumni who have their companies match donations, so please inquire if your company can do something like this (all it takes is a quick email to your manager or your HR representative). You can also search if your company currently has a matching gift program with the University of Arizona here. The goal this year is to raise $7,000 to celebrate our 7^th year of this scholarship and I believe we can do it!

Depending on how much is donated, we will determine how many students we can send to the conference. We are asking that you give as much as you are able to. 

Students will apply to the scholarship with a video essay and we will host a watch party to vote for the winners. Everyone who donates will receive an email invitation to attend the watch party.

Check out the project owners who are students to see what a difference the Convention has made in their professional and personal lives.

Keep in mind that your donation will be tax deductible and you will be receiving a tax receipt with your donation. 

The funding raised will cover students' costs for convention registration, transportation (flight to Orlando), lodging and student meals at the convention.

Please reach out to Maira at maira.garcia@honeywell.com if you have any questions/comments.

Thank you all so much! Don’t forget that SHPE is life and Bear Down!

Maira Garcia

Founder of Scholarship and SHPE University of Arizona Alumni (Class of 2014)