Welcome to SHPE SWC
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers | Southwestern College (SHPE SWC) is a vibrant and inclusive College Club that strives to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM access, support, and development. Our Club is built on the core values of Family, Service, Education, and Resilience. We are a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about empowering and supporting each other. By joining SHPE SWC, you will have access to a wide range of events and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Together, we strive to make a positive impact on our campus and in the community. Join us today and become a part of something extraordinary!
About Us
The Story Behind Our College Club
The Southwestern College of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is a student organization with the goal of guiding Hispanic students interested in entering the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Our Mission in to support the STEM students at Southwestern College who are pursuing STEM fields. We intend to uplift the hispanic community and all of our allies and help them realize their full potential. We value the sense of family within the club and go the extra mile to help facilitate our member's career paths. Through the organization, students are offered academic support, career development opportunities and access to professional networking events.
Humble Beginnings
Frustrated by a lack of both career opportunities and professional support for Hispanic engineers, Rodrigo T. (Rod) Garcia, a member of the Los Angeles City Employees Chicano Association, held a meeting in his garage in East Los Angeles to discuss creating a new advocacy organization. The group discussed ways to boost minority representation in STEM, and shared their vision for improving Hispanic employment prospects. The conversation that took place there inspired the founding of SHPE.
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In 1974, SHPE was officially incorporated, its first office listed as a post office box in Los Angeles. Rod Garcia served as the first president of the organization, which initially focused its efforts in Southern California. Administrators, professors, and students at California State University, East Los Angeles College, and the University of Southern California founded SHPE’s first collegiate chapters.
Our Values
1. Familia
We take responsibility for our collective strength and passion by developing communities, building a diverse and inclusive membership, and challenging each other to be our best.
3. Education
We value formal education and professional development. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and renewal. We learn from successes, setbacks, and each other.
2. Service
We act on a foundation of service. We commit to deliver the highest levels of quality, integrity, and ethical behavior. We act with empathy, patience, and understanding.
4. Resilience
We embrace our diverse cultures and communities, which enable us to adapt, thrive, and persist with optimism.