Ponte Las Pilas
Program Details
Ponte las pilas translates literally to "put in your batteries." What it actually means is closer to get moving, and doing it with purpose. It is what someone who believes in you says right before the moment that matters.
The SHPE National Convention is one of those moments. At this event, hundreds of companies and thousands of engineers gather to have career-defining conversations.
Getting to this convention costs money most students do not have readily available, and walking in without preparation means walking out with a tote bag instead of an offer. Two barriers, and the second one is invisible until you are already standing in it.
This program removes both of those barriers and sends students into the convention confident in their ability to walk out, offer in hand. This isn't accomplished with the wave of a wand.
This program is called Ponte Las Pilas (PLP) for a reason: Scholars will put in the work side by side with a mentor until they have a flawless handshake, an elevator pitch that makes a recruiter's jaw drop, and handle interview questions like a natural. SHPE LA is not the story here. We are the chapter that pays for scholars to get there, hands them a map, and puts a working engineer beside them who has already made the walk.
How it works
You are going to the SHPE National Convention in October. You will be guided by a mentor who has already done it, with a handshake you have practiced, an elevator pitch you have tested, and interview prep behind you.
SHPE LA books and pays for your convention registration, flight, and lodging directly. There is nothing to front and nothing to submit for reimbursement. Once you are selected, we handle the arrangements with you and confirm your travel by [date].
The mentorship runs from October through May. Your mentor is a working engineer in Los Angeles who will meet with you once a month, before the convention and after it. Scholars are expected to complete monthly sessions and remain a SHPE member in good standing through the end of the program.
Eligibility
SHPE member in good standing
Currently enrolled in, or graduated in December 2025 or after, an accredited university with a STEM degree
No prior full-time role or internship in your field of study
Based in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura County
Available for Convention prep on October 16 in location TBD
Available to attend the SHPE national Convention Oct 28-31, 2026
Current SHPE LA board members, SHPE employees, and their immediate family are not eligible. Applications are reviewed anonymously.
Dates
Applications close September 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific. Recipients are notified October 1, 2026.
Questions: plp@shpela.org
Timeline
9.3.2026: Virtual Info Session
9.17.2026: Application Deadline
10.1.2026: PLP Scholarship Recipients Announcement
10.16:2026: Convention Prep
10.28.2026: SHPE National Convention
12.1.2026: Mentor Check-in