In 1995 several consulting engineering firms, and government and municipal officials, came together to form the "Pittsburgh Minority and Women Business Enterprise Engineering Initiative." The name was later changed to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Engineering Outreach or SPEO.
This group identified the need to provide technical, marketing, and general business assistance to the minority and women business communities. Part of this effort also includes working with the local educational programs to develop and nurture young men and women who are interested in starting a career in the engineering profession.
In 2004, SPEO became a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation.
In 2006, SPEO attained 501c3 tax exempt status from the IRS.
Over the years, SPEO members have mentored, provided networking opportunities and provided sub-consultant opportunities to local MBE and WBE firms. SPEO members have also helped sponsor potential future engineers to allow them to attend engineering, science and computer camps.
SPEO looks forward to the challenge of increasing the opportunities available to their protégé members in the new millenium.
Download the SPEO brochure here