ble Success effectiveness of these programs and initiatives will be critical to our success in this area. While we are tracking the effectiveness of the NSBE Retention Program at the chapter level, we are also using metrics to assess the impact of our chapters' partnerships and programs and their communications with NSBE stakeholders and the community. We are assisting chapters in NSBE's mission by taking actions such as: * Measuring interest in STEM and tracking math and science proficiency for 5th, 7th and 12th graders; NSBE has made great progress over the past 19 months by acting on principles such as the need for gender equity and culturally responsible behavior. By creating clear, measurable goals, we will make even greater progress by moving larger numbers of black students and professionals to academic excellence and professional success-outcomes at the center of our mission. Metrics will continue to be integral to NSBE and its plan for empowerment. So stay tuned. No longer is "hope" our strategy. We have a firm grasp on what it takes to succeed. * Tracking outcomes of our Summer Bridge Scholarship program; and * Using metrics to systematize and empower NSBE Professionals chapters. www.nsbe.org 11http://www.nsbe.org