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). BESSA was founded in 1968 predating NSBE which was founded in 1975. We have kept our namesake to maintain the history of our driven students. 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.