2006 - 2007 Program Guide

OUR MISSION…

The Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists (CABPES) mission is to encourage and assist African-American and other under-represented minority youth in the pursuit and attainment of career choices in engineering and applied science professions. The organization was incorporated in the state of Colorado in 1980.

Our Goals and Objectives…

• To stimulate interests among under-represented youth to pursue careers in engineering and applied science.
• To develop solid math skills essential for success in these careers.
• To inspire higher academic achievement among under-represented students through professional role models and mentors.
• To provide exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

OUR HISTORY…

CABPES has a long history of serving the community by identifying educational needs and by providing programs that encourage and assist African American and other underrepresented youth in the pursuit and attainment of career choices in the engineering and applied science professions.

A group of African American engineers in the 1970's started the Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists (CABPES). These individuals came together through their shared desire to increase the representation of minorities in the technical professions.

In 1980, CABPES established the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) Chapter (later named Junior Engineers, Tomorrow's Scientists). The purpose of the JETS Program is to provide middle school and high school students' exposure to careers in engineering and applied science.

In 1982 (to further assist the students to succeed in school and attend college to study engineering) the Math Enrichment Program (MEP) was created to provide traditional math tutoring and homework assistance. A computer-aided math tutorial program has since been added.

In 1986, members of the Denver Chapter of the Hampton University Alumni Association started an SAT tutorial program to prepare high school students for taking the SAT College Entrance Examination and in 1988, CABPES offered to collaborate with this worthwhile endeavor. Again, CABPES added a program that furthered the organization's goal of having students attend college to study engineering.

During the fall 1989, the CABPES Technical Resource Center was established. It provides a centralized place where students receive hands-on training in engineering classes and math tutoring.

Since 1990, CABPES has expanded the JETS program to include classes in Architecture, Basic Programming, C+ Programming, Civil Programming, Electronics, Introduction to Internet and Mechanical Engineering. Recently, the Math Enrichment Program (MEP) was enhanced to ensure students receive the homework help they need, but more importantly to help students develop the necessary skills to succeed in their math classes. CABPES also offers seminars throughout the year to both students and parents on a variety of topics such as careers in engineering, public speaking, money management and planning for college.

CABPES TODAY…

CABPES continues to evolve into a dynamic, highly regarded resource that is constantly re-positioning itself to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. In order to meet its goal of producing engineering and technical professionals, CABPES realizes the need to assess the entire student experience from grades 6-12 and offer assistance, not only to the students, but to the families as well.

Counseling and guidance is offered to students who are preparing for college, from high school course selection to financial planning and college selection. Assistance is available to help students apply for hundreds of scholarships that are available to them. Additionally, CABPES partners with local corporations and civic groups to provide internships and work experiences for its students.

CABPES is truly a success story with many, many of its students becoming engineers, scientists and business people, contributing to the community.

CABPES encourages its participants to become involved in the community. Applications for both college scholarships and college entrance request examples of students' community involvement and leadership experiences. CABPES offers numerous opportunities to assist students in building their "college entrance resumes" while gaining invaluable poise and self confidence.

The Widening Our World (WOW) Program was initiated to pair CABPES students with senior citizens wanting to learn computer skills. Senior citizens benefit from the computer training and relationship with WOW student volunteers and students learn a valuable lesson about working in their community.

CABPES IN THE COMMUNITY…

This year, the CABPES students will participate in a community service project to brighten the Thanksgiving holiday for 10 less fortunate families in our community. We strongly encourage all CABPES students (JETS, MEP and SAT) to become involved with this initiative. The project will be coordinated by CABPES staff under the auspices of the East Denver Collaboration, a Family to Family Initiative of Denver Human Services.

CABPES will be responsible for:

• Holding a food/toiletries/paper goods drive in November to collect items for Thanksgiving baskets.
• Assembling Thanksgiving baskets on November 16th with donated items, plus items procured by the East Denver Collaboration.
• Delivering Thanksgiving baskets to 10 families on November 18th.

There may be opportunities for other community service projects throughout the year. Families will be notified as these occur. This will give our students an opportunity to give back to the community and learn about volunteerism. We hope that all CABPES students will participate.