NSBE Portland Professionals is passionate about inspiring the future generation of engineers. We are very aware of how few Black engineers work in industry and we believe it has a lot to do with representation. It is hard to be what you cannot see or don't know is an option! We believe books open doors and can help inspire kids to dream of being scientists, engineers, doctors, and more!

 

 In 2022 our Pre-Collegiate Chair, Shari Chin, launched our Little Free Library program by creating a committee of members who designed, built, and installed our first Little Free Library. In 2023 the program continued when we partnered with local organization, Black Community of Portland (BCP), to engage youth in building the libraries too. Students learned about construction careers, the value of teamwork, power tool safety, and completed two libraries in 2023. We now have three libraries located in East County, hosted by NSBE partners and community members.

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Last month, we partnered with local organization, Black Economic Collective (BEC), to build two more libraries with students. Those final libraries will be completed and installed in 2024, concluding our library builds.

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Books in our little free libraries feature culturally specific and STEM focused books, helping show youth STEM pathways and representation. Our libraries are chartered and mapped with Little Free Library and registered as part of the 'Read in Color' campaign. 

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We're always looking for books that provide Black / STEM representation for youth! Use the link below to view our wish list and purchase books for our libraries. Use Amazon to purchase directly OR shop local at Black Owned bookstore, Third Eye Books, and visit our libraries to drop off your books.