The Black Alliance of Scientists and Engineers (BASE) at San Jose State University (SJSU) follows the same guiding principles as its parent organization, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE): to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers and scientists. This means creating a community that encourages Black STEM students to meet each other, support each other academically and personally, and give them the tools that will help them succeed in the future.

As an Adobe Creative Campus, a program where universities share a commitment to digital literacy as part of their strategic goals, and with close ties to Silicon Valley, SJSU is particularly well-positioned to help future STEM students find a home. For the university's chapter of BASE, this provides a unique opportunity to show Black students that there are opportunities awaiting them in technology, scientific, and engineering fields.