Students at Woodlands Middle High School are gaining new opportunities to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through the relaunch of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Jr. Chapter. This initiative is in partnership with the Westchester County Chapter of The Links, Inc., a national service organization of professional women focused on education, youth development, and community engagement. The effort officially kicked off on March 4, marking an exciting step in expanding opportunities for students to explore engineering and connect with mentors in the field.
The inaugural meeting brought together students, educators, and community partners to launch the chapter and introduce students to the mission of NSBE Jr., a national organization dedicated to increasing the number of engineers of color who excel academically and succeed professionally.
The relaunch reflects the District’s efforts to reestablish a partnership with the NSBE, a connection that Superintendent Dr. Lorenda Chisolm helped bring back into focus. Dr. Chisolm has emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students understand that STEM fields are open to them and that careers in engineering and related disciplines are within reach. Creating opportunities for students to meet professionals and learn about these fields while they are still in school helps students begin to imagine themselves in those roles and build connections that can support future paths.
One highlight of the event was hearing from Woodlands alumna Acacia Hines, the Salutatorian of the Class of 2013 and now Supervising Engineer of Research and Development at PepsiCo. A graduate of North Carolina A&T University, Hines shared her journey from Woodlands classrooms to a career in engineering and spoke with students about innovation and leadership in STEM. Her story offered students a clear example of how early exposure to engineering, with guidance along the way, can help shape a future path.
These kinds of experiences reflect the vision outlined in the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, which emphasizes students developing as creative thinkers, strong communicators, and engaged global citizens.
“Programs like NSBE Jr. give students meaningful opportunities to explore STEM and begin to see themselves in these fields,” said Dr. Njoku, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Programs, & Personnel.
The chapter is led by biology teacher Mr. Sam Washington in partnership with the Westchester County (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Open to students in grades 9–12, the NSBE Jr. Chapter operates as a student organization that meets monthly, giving students opportunities to explore engineering concepts, connect with mentors, and participate in hands-on STEM learning experiences.
“STEM can be a challenging path, and students can sometimes feel isolated. Programs like NSBE Jr. help students build connections and see that there are people who have walked this path before and are ready to open doors for them,” said Mr. Washington.
During the March 4 meeting, students also began building the foundation for the chapter by learning about the organization, discussing leadership roles, and beginning officer elections.
Lisa Stenson Haggray, President of the Westchester County (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, highlighted the significance of the partnership.
“Our Chapter has proudly served the Westchester County community for 76 years and is thrilled to resume our partnership with Greenburgh Central School District,” Haggray said. “Through the relaunch of the NSBE Jr. Chapter at Woodlands Middle High School as part of The Links, Incorporated STEMREADY Signature Program, we aim to build early exposure to STEM, strengthen academic confidence, develop leadership skills, and encourage students to pursue college programs and careers in STEM fields.”
The chapter will meet monthly through May under the advisement of Mr. Washington, with support from Dr. Foy II. Upcoming sessions will explore topics including artificial intelligence and data ethics, engineering design challenges, chemical engineering, and healthcare innovation.