The LSU Chapter National Society of Black Engineers teamed up with students from Scotlandville Magnet High School on Saturday for the Walk for Education, a walk around the neighborhood of Alaska Street to distribute information about post-secondary education to minority students and their families.
The organization handed out University admission pamphlets, ACT and SAT information sheets and local technical school information, among other things, to about 140 households.
“We’re trying to get the word out [to them],” said Syndney Jenkins, NSBE member and civil engineering junior. “You don’t have to go work at McDonald’s after you get out of high school.”
Because NSBE is comprised mostly of engineering majors, persuading the students to enter the field was on the agenda as well, Jenkins said. She said the group was trying to recruit more minorities to diversify the field.
“Most people were thankful that we were coming and that we were out there,” she said.
Kaila Evans, computer engineering senior, said the most rewarding part of the experience was seeing how appreciative people were when the group spoke to them about education.
“I actually met someone who went to [my high] school. I was actually able to recruit him into NSBE,” said Shaela Nelson, Scotlandville Magnet High School senior. “They were really excited about it.”
Jenkins said the NSBE national board encourages all of the organization’s chapters across the country to do Walks for Education. This was the first time the University’s NSBE organization hosted a walk in Baton Rouge.
Jenkins said there is a lack of outreach and publicity for post-secondary educational opportunities.
“I definitely think that a lot of people don’t have the resources to know about this stuff,” Jenkins said. “We take it for granted; not everybody has a laptop and can go online every day.”
Members found many of the people they talked to were not aware of all their educational options in Baton Rouge.
NSBE does community service activities throughout the year. The group hosts its annual NSBE Week in February, when they plan community service events and invite a panel of engineers to speak.
Jenkins said the organization also takes part in Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baton Rouge, visiting children at their houses to play and conduct fun science experiments.
Megan Barnum, biological engineering senior, said NSBE recently partnered with East Baton Rouge Laboratory Academy to tutor students each week in math.
 
—-
Contact Juliann Allen at [email protected]