Engineering Week starts today! The National Society of Professional Engineers established this national celebration in 1951 to recognize contributions made by engineers and the impacts they have made on all of our lives, from the earliest inventors to our most modern innovators. Engineering Week always falls during the week of February 22nd, the birthday of President George Washington, who is considered our nation’s first engineer.

At Mosby Woods Elementary School in Fairfax, Virginia, the STEAM Resource teacher has a few tricks up her sleeve for ensuring her students stay engaged during their enrichment activities.

Today, February 11th, is a special joint holiday, celebrating both National Inventors Day and International Day of Girls and Women in Science! And, since these two observances fall within Black History Month, we’re excited to highlight three Black women whose scientific inventions influenced their fields and changed lives.

In honor of Black History Month, we’ve gathered a list of organizations working to promote Black excellence in STEM, from students at the university level to professionals throughout their careers. Some include paid memberships and events, others have 100% free resources for students and professionals seeking information about advancement in their field.

We’re so excited to celebrate Black History Month with you this year! From now until the end of February, we will be highlighting innovations and achievements from Black and African American scientists, engineers and mathematicians.