Building Bridges: The National Society of Black Engineers Bridge Mentorship Program

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Bridge Mentorship Program, which connects Catholic University engineering students with alumni mentors, provides conference networking guidance as one of its key career-building activities. 

In February 2026, The Catholic University of America chapter of NSBE attended the Becoming Everything You Are (BEYA) Conference. One of the nation’s largest science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) gatherings, BEYA provided students with opportunities to attend technical and leadership workshops, network with professionals, and connect with recruiters from more than 60 universities and employers. 

Preparation for opportunities like BEYA is an important focus of the NSBE Bridge Mentorship Program, which is a pilot initiative designed to provide practical guidance for students as they prepare for internships and early career opportunities.

In February, the NSBE Bridge practicum focused on Career Fair and Conference Strategy Preparation. Jordan Pulley and Justin Pulley, who both graduated from Catholic University’s electrical engineering program in 2025, led the practicum. Students worked with alumni mentors to define their conference goals, clarify career interests, practice elevator pitches, and plan which workshops and networking events to attend. They also discussed effective strategies for following up with potential employers after the conference—an important step in turning conversations into opportunities. 

NSBE Bridge is intentionally structured to be accessible for busy professionals while providing a meaningful impact for students. Each semester includes three short practicums that introduce key professional development topics to students. Mentor attendance is optional for the 30-minute practicums. After the practicum, mentors and students connect for a one-hour conversation  to discuss the practicum topic  or address broader career questions. Mentors can participate in person or virtually.

Student feedback continues to shape the program. Participants have expressed interest in connecting with alumni from a wider range of engineering disciplines and industries. In particular, the program is seeking mentors in civil and biomedical engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI), especially as Catholic University is launching its new bachelor of science in AI degree program. 

Mentors consistently describe the experience as rewarding. One mentor noted, “My mentee was genuinely interested in seeking information on how to improve.” These mentorships create a meaningful exchange of ideas and guidance, valued by mentors and students alike.