General
There are lots of ways to support Engineers Without Borders USA! You can take action by:
- Donating: When you donate to EWB-USA, your support is converted into clean water, electricity, dignified sanitation facilities, a safe way to cook, and sturdy schools and hospitals for underserved communities across the world.
- Volunteering: It takes more than concrete and steel to build a strong foundation, and the work of EWB-USA is 90% powered by volunteers.
- Workplace/ Corporate Engagement: Get involved through work! Check here to see if your employer has a donation matching program, and help double your impact. Or take things a step further and reach out to corporate@ewb-usa.org to see what other types of workplace programs might work for you.
EWB-USA does not have membership fees. We consider ourselves to be a volunteer organization and as such, encourage you to volunteer and get involved! See Volunteer for ways to get involved.
- Engineers Without Borders USA’s international programs offer a wide range of engineering support and services to communities worldwide. For more details, click here.
- Domestically, the Community Engineering Corps provides pro bono engineering design and technical services alongside underserved and overburdened communities. Providing solutions to infrastructure issues and inequities across the United States and territories. Find and apply for the right solutions for your community here.
Job Postings
EWB-USA posts open positions at this website. Both engineering and non-engineering jobs are available for qualified individuals. The office is located in Denver, Colorado but staff work remotely from around the US.
Internships
Internships are most widely available during the summer of each year, though internships can happen throughout the year. Summer interns will be assigned a specific task in support of the mission. Summer internships are posted in the early spring for start dates in the summer. Internships will be posted here to apply. All chapters are also notified when the positions are opened.
Fellowships
- Fellowships are welcome. If you have a potential funding source for a fellowship with a non-profit, reach out to eric.lundborg@ewb-usa.org to determine if there is a role that fits the fellowship requirements.
- Each year an Executive Fellow is hired to work closely with the leadership team and the board of directors. This is a great paid opportunity to learn about running a non-profit organization. The position is open for application in the spring of each year with a start date in the summer.
- EWB-USA can also help to place volunteers into internships with partner organizations in other countries.
No. Engineers Without Borders USA is not in any way affiliated with Doctors Without Borders, which is a registered trademark of Bureau International de Médecins Sans Frontières. While we have similar names, in practice our operating model varies greatly.
Engineers Without Borders International supports Engineers Without Borders organizations that are committed to working together and delivering demonstrable benefits to the world.
EWB-USA is a member organization of EWB-I. We support the purpose and mission of EWB-I and the capacity of other EWB organizations across the globe.
All members of Engineers Without Borders International around the world share similar values and support similar goals towards ensuring people everywhere can enjoy a just and equitable life within the means of the planet. Each Engineers Without Borders organization operates independently as its own NGO/INGO, and they often differ in the scope of their missions, organizational structure, and approach to development. Involvement with the EWB-I network is an opportunity to learn and partner.
International
EWB-USA is the largest mobilizer of pro bono engineering forces in the world. We assist communities that do not have the resources or access, to mobilize engineering expertise to assist in implementing the critical infrastructure necessary for the community to thrive.
EWB-USA’s international program model is based on a partnership between EWB-USA chapters, community partners, local NGO, and/or government partners. All international projects are community-driven and go through a robust project process overseen by EWB-USA and partnering Program Engineers to ensure each community’s needs are optimally met and projects result in long-lasting and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
All international projects are initiated by communities and local NGO partners. Project applications are vetted by our team to determine if we have the right expertise and capacity to assist with the communities outlined needs. Once accepted, projects are completed in partnership with EWB-USA chapters. Volunteers and chapters cannot initiate international projects separate from this standard process. To get involved with a chapter, click here.
EWB-USA international project stakeholders include varying combinations of the following stakeholders: EWB-USA chapters/volunteers, community members/community-based organizations, local non-governmental organizations (NGO partners, local governments, and/or established purposeful partnerships.)
Our typical project takes approximately three to four years from initial partner formation to completion of construction and close out of the monitoring phase.
Our most common types of projects revolve around the provision of safe drinking water for our community partners. We also construct sanitation projects and structures projects such as schools and bridges. Other types of projects include: energy, agriculture, and general civil projects like roads and drainage. We also have done many projects in healthcare facilities to provide clean water and sanitation to patients and staff.
In general, EWB-USA does not support technology projects such as provision of computers, connections to the internet, or training around this expertise. EWB-USA does team with partners to provide reliable and sustainable sources of energy for these types of technology improvements.
A typical EWB-USA international project lasts three to four years and costs between 15k and 50k for construction. Projects are developed by a local partner and community and the volunteer chapter is partnered to develop an engineering solution for the community’s infrastructure. Teams work closely with communities to train and prepare them for operating the system.
The best way to get involved with an international project is to join an existing EWB-USA student or professional chapter that is working on EWB-USA international projects. All international projects are initiated by communities and local NGO partners and are done in partnership with EWB-USA chapters. Volunteers and chapters cannot initiate international projects separate from this standard process. To get involved with a chapter, click here.
EWB-USA projects have a variety of roles with different levels of time commitment. The project leads can expect about 2 hours of work per week with some chapters changing the role every year and others leaving the project lead in place for the full project. Teams will often travel once per year for 7-10 days. The roles involve lots of project management, logistics, and communication. Engineering tasks are most intense during the implementation phase. Coordination and fundraising support is always needed and many chapters will have shorter involvement tasks with 10-20 hr commitments for supporting the project and fundraising.
Chapters have a variety of roles for volunteers with any level of background experience and skill sets. Organizing and managing volunteers, fundraising, marketing, communication, and community engagement are important non-project tasks that are always available for individuals looking to get involved who don’t have an engineering background.
EWB-USA international projects are done in partnership with local organizations. U.S.-based NGOs may be considered as a partner if the organization has permanent local staff in-country and meets the partner criteria for all international community partnerships/projects. If you’re interested in partnering with EWB-USA for projects within the United States, please check out our Community Engineering Corps page to learn more about our domestic programs.
Every EWB-USA project requires a team of mentors and an official REIC for both technical and non-technical support. Some projects may require a licensed Professional Engineer, depending on the type of project and the level of risk of failure. Learn more about these requirements here.
Please click the button below to see more information about where EWB-USA works and why.
EWB-USA does not participate in the emergency response. If you are interested in supporting these efforts, please refer to openings on relief web https://reliefweb.int/jobs. At times, it is possible that EWB-USA may participate in recovery activities, but this would require a request of support from communities on the ground.
Domestic
Community Engineering Corps is the domestic program for EWB-USA chapters to provide engineering technical support to local communities in the USA and territories. If you are interested in volunteering on a domestic project or want to learn more about Community Engineering Corps, check out the CECorps website and find other resources in Volunteer Village.
Check out Community Engineering Corps' underserved criteria. This document is an overview of criteria that the program considers to be underserved or overburdened. If you are a community member who believes they qualify for services, feel free to apply to our program here. A staff member will be in contact with you asap.
No. Domestic projects require a different project process and timeline.
Please read the Community Engineering Corps
Project Manual on Volunteer Village to learn more about the project process for domestic projects.
No. Community Engineering Corps’s program focuses on engineering consulting services only. The intent of the program is to support underserved communities across the nation that cannot afford to hire an engineering consulting firm. Through the work done by volunteers, communities are equipped with the necessary documents and knowledge they need to apply for federal, state, and local funding for implementation.
You are in luck! Community Engineering Corps carries Professional Liability coverage for all professionals practicing on a Community Engineering Corps project. To learn more, check out our FAQ on professional Coverage for volunteers.
Have more questions about the Community Engineering Corps program? Check out Community Engineering Corps FAQ page here or connect with us at CECinfo@ewb-usa.org
About volunteer opportunities
EWB-USA offers a variety of volunteer options for professionals, college students, retirees, and corporate employees, both engineers and non-engineers alike. Follow this link to learn more about what it means to be an EWB-USA volunteer and discover the opportunities that are waiting for you!
If you have not done so already, we recommend first checking out this intro to volunteering video. You can also get started right now by joining our online community, Volunteer Village, by registering here.
Definitely! Anyone can donate or volunteer with us. EWB-USA needs assistance from all different disciplines in order to be more well-rounded in our impact on our communities! We need people with backgrounds and experience across all STEM fields AND in public health, public policy, project and non-profit management, chemistry, social work, sales and finance, human resources, communications, and so much more.
The best way to approach your employer may vary based on who your employer is and what type of involvement opportunities you are looking for. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend reaching out to us directly at corporate@ewb-usa.org and we’ll help guide you through the best steps for your situation.
EWB-USA does not have opportunities specifically for high school students, but if you are a high school student, you may join a local professional chapter. Your participation would likely be limited based on your skill set and experience. If you decide EWB-USA is an organization you’d like to become involved with in college, you can research EWB-USA student chapters and use that information to help choose your future college or university.
If you have further questions after reviewing these resources, contact us at volunteer@ewb-usa.org.
Check out the EWB-USA Volunteer Opportunities Board. Chapters use this board to post for mentors, including travel mentors. Depending on the project, a variety of expertise and experience are required.
Please email us at volunteer@ewb-usa.org and we will assist you.
We operate on a chapter model, which means the easiest way to start volunteering on a project would be to join either a local professional or university chapter.
Use the Chapter Map to find and reach out to a chapter near you.
You can see where we work here to get a better idea of the areas of the world we work in however, you’ll have to connect with the chapter to see how best to get involved in a specific global area you’re interested in.
Yes, we are accepting applications for new chapters. You can find all the information on that, including the
application and FAQ here.
Although you cannot deduct the value of your time or service, you may be able to deduct expenses related to volunteering. We recommend speaking to a tax advisor to determine the deductibility of any volunteer-related expenses.
About Donating/ Our Finances
The best way to approach your employer may vary based on who your employer is and what type of involvement opportunities you are looking for. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend reaching out to us directly at corporate@ewb-usa.org and we’ll help guide you through the best steps for your situation.
At this time, we do not accept physical donations for project work. Chapters can request donations for auctions or other fundraisers.
You can check here to see if your employer will match your donation! If you are eligible, you’ll be prompted through the required steps automatically.
You can check here to see if your employer will match your donation! If you are eligible, you’ll be prompted through the required steps automatically.
Engineers Without Borders USA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
whistleblowers, harassment, and complaints
- For volunteers who are traveling internationally on behalf of EWB-USA they have access to International SOS (ISOS) to assist and coordinate services for mental health, medical, and security needs before, during, or after participating while on an approved EWB-USA activity.
- Volunteers working on projects in the US are instructed to contact local emergency responders, such as 911, for mental health, medical, or security incidents that arise.
- If you or someone you know has experienced harassment, discrimination, or another incident related to EWB-USA, please submit a report at the link below. Each report will be investigated and handled according to our Code of Conduct. Your report will be submitted confidentially.
- View our Code of Conduct, and Accountability Framework, or find more resources.