Our History

Celebrating decades of Hispanic excellence in STEM

What is SHPE & MAES?

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and Latinos in Science and Engineering (MAES) are two non-profit organizations dedicated to the advancement of Hispanics in STEM. Both were founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974, and have since grown into national networks of passionate professionals and students empowering future generations of engineers and scientists. Today, SHPE includes over 11,000 members across 44 professional and 245 student chapters nationwide, while MAES continues to expand through more than 40 active student chapters across the country.

Who Are We

SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and MAES (Latinos in Science and Engineering) are national non-profit organizations dedicated to the advancement of Hispanics in STEM. Both were founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 — and together at UTEP, we continue to foster innovation, leadership, and cultural pride in engineering.

Our Mission

Engage UTEP and El Paso students through academic, leadership, professional, and service opportunities in support of their growth as STEM professionals.

Our Vision

To be the model organization that develops socially responsible STEM professionals who make a lasting impact and serve as role models within their communities.

Our 6 Pillars

Academic Development

Supporting students with resources and mentorship to excel academically.

Chapter Development

Building community and inclusivity through events that strengthen chapter culture.

Community Outreach

Giving back to El Paso through volunteering and STEM education initiatives.

Leadership Development

Providing opportunities for members to grow into confident, capable leaders.

Professional Development

Connecting students to industry professionals and career resources.

Technical Development

Cultivating technical skills through workshops, coding projects, and innovation labs.

Our Demographics

Our chapter represents diverse disciplines across the UTEP College of Engineering.

Demographics 2023 Internship Map