More Than a Major: Two CEAT student groups shaping lives

More Than a Major: Two CEAT student groups shaping lives

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Media Contact: Brandy Devous | Multimedia Producer | 405-744-5766 | [email protected]

Guided by their passion for engineering and service, two student-led organizations are making a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.

Architecture Students Teaching Elementary Kids (ASTEK) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) are not only shaping their members' futures - they're also inspiring the next generation through outreach, mentorship and community engagement.

Designing Inspiration

ASTEK is a volunteer-based group that introduces fifth-grade students in Stillwater Public Schools to the world of architecture.

Through an eight-week curriculum, ASTEK members teach design fundamentals, structural concepts and city planning in a way that is both interactive and fun for young pupils.

"We want to get them excited about design and show them it's just as inspiring and as important as being a doctor or a lawyer or an astronaut," said Kade Spampinato, incoming president of ASTEK and a fourth-year architecture student. "Maybe [through ASTEK] we introduce them to something more creative that they can do later on in life."

Young designers admire their creations during the ASTEK Showcase, celebrating a year of hands-on learning and architectural exploration.

The program concludes with a final exhibition at Oklahoma State University's School of Architecture, where students can proudly present their models and city layouts to family, teachers and friends.

"Seeing them proudly show off their work … It's just such a good reminder of why we're doing what we're doing," Spampinato said.

ASTEK's impact is felt not only by the students they teach but also by the volunteers themselves.

"It gives me a chance to share that fire and passion that I have for architecture in such a fun and low-pressure way," Spampinato said. "It's become such an amazing part of my time here."

Building Community Confidence

For members of NSBE, the mission is equally powerful.

The organization supports minority engineering students through professional development, academic support and companionship. By bringing students together for study nights and career-building events with partners like American Airlines, NSBE creates a strong sense of community where everyone feels valued and uplifted.

"NSBE is definitely like a community," said Destiny Olaleye, incoming president and industrial engineering major. "Especially on the leadership team, one of our main goals is to provide a community for STEM."

One of NSBE's most impactful initiatives is collaborating with CEAT's K-12 STEM outreach. At a recent summit, NSBE members led hands-on activities for students from Stillwater and Oklahoma City.

"We had different stations set up like paper airplanes, crash tests, even a Speedfest demo from Albert's senior project," Olaleye said. "It was really impactful to benefit the next generation because I was in their shoes at one point."

Oklahoma State University NSBE members represent their chapter at the 2024 NSBE Regional Conference in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Albert Assifuah, past president and a recent graduate in mechanical and aerospace engineering, emphasized the importance of visibility and mentorship within the organization.

"NSBE helped me open up and see the benefits of learning how to talk to people, network and connect," he said. "It's about giving people the opportunity to grow into something bigger."

Overcoming Challenges

Both groups have faced their share of challenges.

ASTEK has gone semesters without a host school, prompting them to rebrand and redesign their curriculum. NSBE, after a period of inactivity, had to rebuild its leadership structure and reestablish its presence on campus.

"There was a gap," Olaleye said. "But Albert and [Millyan Stinson, the previous NSBE vice president] worked hard to close that gap. I'm just making sure that whatever gap they're closing, I'm continuing that cycle for the next generation."

Despite the hurdles, both groups are thriving. ASTEK is exploring after-school programming and expanding to new schools. NSBE recently won "Best Oklahoma Chapter of the Year" and is planning new initiatives with a restructured leadership team.

Your Mission

For students interested in getting involved, both groups offer a welcoming environment with the opportunity to shape the local community.

"If you're an OSU architecture student, we'd love to have you," Spampinato said. "It's a great way to make friends, get involved and take a break from our hard classes."

Olaleye echoed that sentiment.

"Just come to our meetings. We're really nice people. Every time a new face comes in, we're excited to see you show up!" she said.