Pre-College Initiative Conference (PCI)
PCI Chair Welcome
Dear Future Engineers,
The NSBE 2025 Annual Convention is drawing near! We are thrilled to have you join us March 5-9, 2025 in the Windy City, Chicago, Illinois. The Convention is designed to Inspire, Excel, and Impact the next generation of engineers. As Pre-College students, you are at the beginning of an exciting journey, and we are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
The NSBE Annual Convention is a unique opportunity to:
- Be Inspired: Engage in hands-on experiences that will ignite your passion for engineering and deepen your understanding of engineering concepts. Through interactive activities and real-world projects, you’ll have the chance to apply your knowledge in meaningful ways. These sessions are not only educational but also fun, giving you a glimpse into the life of an engineer. We want you to leave inspired from the opportunity to collaborate with peers on challenges that push your innovative thinking and creativity. Be inspired by motivational speakers and accomplished role models who have excelled in their fields and are eager to share their journey and insights. Leave feeling motivated and excited for the engineering path that lies ahead!
- Compete and Excel: Show off your skills and knowledge in various competitions, including Ten80, MATHCOUNTS, KIDWIND, Vex IQ/Robotics, Try-Math-A-Lon, and back for its second year, the NSBE/Black History Competition. These events provide a platform to demonstrate your abilities, collaborate with peers and earn recognition for your achievements.
- Be Impacted: At convention, you will be surrounded by a community of like-minded peers who are passionate about STEM and one day creating positive change in the world. We hope this experience will open your eyes to new possibilities, ignite your curiosity, and inspire you to push the boundaries of what you can achieve. You want to leave with a deeper understanding of the impact engineers have in the world and how you, as a future engineer, can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
We encourage you to take full advantage of all the Annual Convention has to offer. Engage actively in sessions, ask questions and connect with as many people as you can. This is your chance to expand your horizons, build lasting relationships and ignite your passion for engineering.
On behalf of the PCI Planning Committee, we eagerly anticipate your participation in these enriching experiences and look forward to celebrating your achievements in the vibrant Windy City.
With lots of excitement,
Jalynn Burruss
2025 Pre-Collegiate Initiative Conference Chair
National Society of Black Engineers
March 5 – 9, 2025 | Chicago, IL
Highlighted PCI Programming
KidZone
The purpose of the Kid Zone is to increase students in grades K-5th interest in Science, Technology, Engineering careers to allow them to excel academically and succeed in High School and college. More information to come.
FIRE Rocket Workshop
PCI students and their advisors will attend an engaging workshop where they will build a model rocket. The following day, the group will board a bus to the local National Association of Rocketry field to launch their rocket and their dream of becoming an aerospace professional!
NSBE Jr. and Beyond
NSBE Jr. and Beyond is a newly formed initiative that aims to equip existing chapters with a comprehensive understanding of NSBE Jr.’s fundamentals while facilitating the transition of potential chapters into active NSBE Jr. entities.
PCI BEST PRACTICES: INSPIRE, EXCEL, IMPACT
The Martinsville-Henry County NSBE Jr. Chapter will share its best practices since its inception 25 years ago to not only inspire other NSBE Jr. chapters, but to share how the chapter has inspired the community in STEM. (For current and interested NSBE Jr. Advisors and Chaperones)
Graduation Senior Luncheon
NSBE Jr. Graduating Senior Recognition Form
Chapter Leadership Luncheon
This empowering luncheon is designed to bring together NSBE Jr. chapter leaders and advisors for an afternoon of inspiration, collaboration, and growth. Attendees will engage in meaningful discussions on leadership, teamwork, and strategies for building thriving NSBE Jr. chapters. With a focus on fostering community and shared vision, the event will feature a keynote speaker, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights and resources to elevate their chapter’s impact, while celebrating their commitment to the mission.
Carnival Day
Join us for an exciting Carnival Day designed exclusively for NSBE Jr./PCI students! This Saturday, we’re bringing STEM to life with a variety of fun and interactive activities that explore science, technology, engineering, and math in creative and engaging ways. Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiments, engineering challenges, and games that inspire curiosity and innovation. To complete the carnival experience, we’ll be serving classic carnival-style snacks to keep the energy high and the smiles big. Come ready to learn, play, and discover in a lively and supportive environment that celebrates the joy of STEM
PCI Waivers
The following waivers must be read before signing up:
- Hold harmless the University of Illinois Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, FIRE Rocket Challenge, FIRE NSBE Jr, the owner of the launch site and their respective individual members, affiliates, approved onsite vendors, Board of Governors/Trustees, licensees and assigns from all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses that I may now or hereafter have against them resulting from my attendance. This release applies not only to me but also to my heirs and assigns.
- If you are a parent or designated chaperone, you give permission for the named child(ren) to attend the above events. I agree to hold harmless the University of Illinois Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, FIRE Rocket Challenge, FIRE NSBE Jr, the owner of this launch site, and their respective individual members, affiliates, approved onsite vendors, Board of Governors/Trustees, licensees and assigns from all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses that I may now or hereafter have against them resulting from the named child(ren)’s attendance.
PCI Competitions
Ten80 National STEM League
NSBE Jr. members in grades 6–12 form racing challenge teams that use model radio-controlled cars and mimic professional motorsport teams. After being “certified” in mechanical systems, data and problem solving, students spend the duration of the program-year rebuilding the car with improved parts.
Try-Math-A-Lon (TMAL)
Try-Math-A-Lon is a year-round tutoring program meant to foster good study habits for minority students, help prepare for standardized test exams such as the ACT and SAT and promote competition and good sportsmanship. Held between teams composed of HS students in grades 9-10 & 11-12, the TMAL competition’s purpose is to help groom TMAL team members for success in STEM courses; prepare them for standardized SAT/ACT testing as well excel academically and succeed in college.
Sign Up: Lower Division / Upper Division
Pre-PAT Test: Sign Up Form (Due 11/28/2024)
MathCounts
The MATHCOUNTS competition is a fun and challenging math program designed to provide middle schoolers with thought-provoking, fun problems that engage and challenge them to be better problem solvers. First- and second-place winners from each NSBE region compete for bragging rights as the winning team.
VEX IQ
In the VEX IQ Competition, teams of NSBE Jr. members in grades 3–8 are tasked with designing and building a robot to play with other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. Classroom STEM concepts are put to the test as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communication and more.
VEX Robotics
High school NSBE Jr. members build innovative robots and compete year-round in a variety of matches. In addition to learning valuable engineering skills, students gain life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, communication, project management and critical thinking.
NSBE/Black History Competition
The NSBE Jr. Black History Bowl is an engaging competition in which students showcase their knowledge of Black history and culture. Teams compete by answering questions on significant historical events, figures and contributions of the Black community. The event promotes learning, teamwork and pride in Black heritage. It’s a fun and educational way to celebrate Black history while fostering a spirit of friendly competition among participants.
KIDWIND
The KidWind Design Project works to make renewable energy widely accessible through hands-on activities that are challenging and engaging. The project also teaches basic science and engineering principles.
Sign Up: 4th – 8th / 9th – 12th