Their objective was to form a National organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Latino community.

In addition to SHPE, SHPE is also a member of the STEM Education Coalition, which raises public awareness about the critical role that STEM education plays in enabling the United States to remain the economic and technological leader of the global marketplace for years to come.

In addition to raising awareness of STEM and increasing access to it among Hispanic and Latino communities, SHPE's programs serve K-12, undergraduate, graduate students, as well as academic and industry professionals.

SHPE offers the following individual programs in addition to its overall leadership development framework (SHPEology) for undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals.

These events include: Exclusive to the National SHPE Convention is the STAR Awards Gala, which recognizes key individuals and corporations who have contributed significantly to support Hispanics and Latinos in STEM.