National Organization

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community.

The concept of Networking was the key basis for the organization. SHPE quickly established two student chapters to begin the network that would grow to encompass the nation as well as reach countries outside the United States. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation. SHPE is the Source for Quality Hispanic Engineers and Technical Talent.

Student Chapter

The Society of Hispanics in Science and Engineering (SHSE) was created on September 1973 under the name of the Chicano Engineering Organization (CEO). The CEO was created as a result of a few engineering students interested in helping each other achieve success in academic endeavors as well as prepare for a career in engineering and related fields. On the fourth month of the year 1977 the CEO was chartered as a student chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and was renamed the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

At the last general meeting of the spring quarter of the year 1983 a majority decision was carried to include science majors and therefore the organization was renamed the Society of Hispanics in Science and Engineering (SHSE).