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 (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. The SHPE University of Arizona student chapter does all of this and much more. SHPE UA is committed to supporting their community by teaching K-12 students about STEM, supporting the older community by teaching them how to use a computer through their annual event, La Familia and providing resources and professional development for their members. You can learn more about SHPE UA here. Last year, with your help, we raised $12,002 to send 36 students to Philadelphia. This year, our goal is to provide the same life-changing opportunity for students attending the 2026 SHPE National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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 twelve years of the scholarship, we have raised over $79,000 and sent 279 students to the Convention. We continue to grow our impact each year thanks to our wonderful alumni and our friends; you are truly the driving force behind this initiative!

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 events. The Convention consists of workshops, technical competitions, design contests and one of the largest career fairs in the nation. Past donors have contributed because they 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. We've been fortunate to raise so much money these last few years 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. 

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

Your donation will be tax deductible and you will receive a tax receipt with your donation. The funding raised will cover SHPE convention membership registration ($345) and any amount leftover will be given to SHPE UA for their outreach events and additional Convention costs.

Students will apply to the scholarship with a video essay and a watch party will be held to vote for the winners. Everyone who donates will receive an invitation to attend the virtual watch party as well as attend a meet up at the Convention with the winners.

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

Please reach out to the SHPE UA Alumni Scholarship Board of Directors (shpeuaalumni@gmail.com) if you have any questions or comments.

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

- The SHPE UA Alumni Board of Directors (Maira Garcia, Jaime Goytia, Fernando Lopez, Azahel Cordova Arvizu, Nayleth Ramirez and Yixel Quevedo)