​The Black Engineering and Science Student Association, also known as BESSA, is the University of California, Berkeley chapter for our parent organization the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). We are a student run, non-profit organization that thrives on its members support, success, and commitment. We diligently work to provide academic and social support not only to our engineering and science community but to the entire black community. In addition, we happily coordinate programs during the year to integrate our greater Bay Area community. Through these events, we are able to form and foster relationships that bridge the gap between the prestigious university and our close-but-distant community. This organization is a strong believer in academic excellence, personal growth, and a commitment to minority communities in and out of the classroom.

Our Mission Statement: "To increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers and scientists who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community."

Our Objectives:

• Retain, support, and increase the number of black students within the College of Engineering (COE) as well as other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
• Introduce and develop the professional skills needed to succeed in the professional field.
• Cultivate a network between students, professionals, and companies. 
• Give our greater community access to our resources for support in areas that are lacking.