The American Association of Blacks in Energy-MSU held a coin drive this week in the International Center to support MSU Safe Place, an on-campus domestic violence shelter.

The organization raised funds for the Safe Place last year, raising $400 in two days. This year, they intend to raise over $200, according to Association Treasurer Meatta Kemokai.

"Last year we were really focused on supporting low-income families," Kemokai said. "This year we were going to do a can drive, but we decided that we really wanted to give money to assist those who need help at MSU Safe Place."

The Association is a student organization whose purpose is geared toward the input of African Americans and other minorities into involvement with energy policies, methods of conservation and fostering minority involvement in government energy regulation.

The national chapter of the Association was formed in the spring of 1977 by 12 people. Association offers business and engineering students the opportunity to interact with corporate recruiters and CEOs, who may eventually give them access to internships.

The nonprofit organization was initiated into MSU's campus in the spring of 2000, and became active in the 2000-2001 academic year.

The Association is sponsored by Consumer Energy and MSU's chapter is the first initiated on a college campus in the United States. The University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University have plans to create chapters on their campuses as well.

Three of the organization's members interned at a Jackson energy plant, where the group plans to organize a trip.

The group is planning future activities in January with The National Association of Black Accountants.

The group plans to strengthen their focus on education in the community and volunteer at a high school to assist kids.

This year, the national organization is celebrating their 25th anniversary, and the addition of three new chapters and efforts to expand internationally have begun.

The Association is also an outlet for business and engineering students to come in contact with professionals in the fields they desire to enter, says supply chain management sophomore Michelle Jackson.

"I found out about AABE my senior year of high school, when I received a scholarship from the organization." she said. "I knew I wanted to be a part of MSU's chapter because there are many opportunities for networking in the business and engineering fields, and you don't have to go out and search for corporations because they bring them to you."