ALEXANDRIA, Va /diversitybusiness.com/ This is the fifth year that the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) will honor individuals, corporations and institutions that have made significant contributions to technology, engineering and the community. NSBE's Golden Torch Awards (GTA) were created for two reasons: 1) to honor those that best exemplify the ideals of NSBE as reflected in the mission; 2) to financially support high school students in the achievement of their academic goals.

This year NSBE is proud to recognize two honorees that personify the Golden Torch Awards. One is an undergraduate student, majoring in Chemical Engineering and the second, a Fortune 500 company: Keniah Robinson and GE.

Keniah began at NSBE as a Pre-College Initiative (PCI) student. In 1999, she was awarded a GTA Scholarship. Keniah is currently a student at Virginia Polytechnic Institute majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biochemistry and Mathematics. She is also a member of the National Executive Board (NEB) at NSBE. The NEB is the governing board of the Society and manages the operations of the 15,000-member organization. Keniah is an example of NSBE's pursuit to continue a pipeline of engineers, from junior high to professional member.

GE has made and continues to make significant contributions to society, particularly in the areas of technology and engineering. GE has had a GTA winner every year since the existence of the event. This year, GE earned the Corporate/Education Partnership award.

"GE continues to be a dominant player at NSBE because it makes good business sense. Our relationship with NSBE has been mutually beneficial," said Steve Canale, Manager Recruiting & Staffing Services. "We have been able to hire top talent from NSBE because students recognize us as a stable force in the market place and we offer excellent opportunities for young engineers." Canale continued, "Our reputation and brand recognition is serious to GE; we are constantly on the lookout for top talent to grow and help us be even more successful. NSBE is a lot like GE: we both recognize that talent needs to be nurtured and developed."

GE earned past recognition at GTA for: 1998 - Corporate Community Service; 1999 - Pioneer of the Year; 2000 - Diversity Leadership in Industry; 2001 - Executive Leader of the Year.

The proceeds of GTA are awarded as grants to both a male and female Pre- College Student of the Year and renewable annual grants to GTA Scholarship recipients. The 5th Annual GTA ceremony will be held in Orlando, FL during NSBE's 28th Annual National Convention, on March 29, 2002. For a listing of this year's winners and for more information on GTA, visit us at http://www.nsbe.org/gta .

The National Society of Black Engineers is a 501 (c) 3 organization and the largest student-managed organization in the country. NSBE supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-college students and professionals in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. Our mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers, who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.