Building the Future by Connecting Communities EWB-USA's Investment in STEM Education

Meet Andrew, a civil engineering student from Uganda with a passion for improving education in his country. When he joined forces with the EWB-USA Illinois Institute of Technology Chapter on their project to build a school in the community of Kavule, he quickly became an invaluable asset. His deep understanding of local culture and construction practices, combined with his strong engineering skills, allowed him to bridge the gap between the international team and the local community. He helped to translate differences in both language and culture. Andrew's contributions extended beyond technical expertise; he fostered strong relationships, shared insights, and ensured the project aligned with the community's needs. Despite an 8-hour time difference between Uganda and Chicago, he’s continued working with the team long-term after they returned back to the US from their assessment trip this summer.

At Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA), we believe in empowering the next generation of engineers like Andrew and in the power of engineering to create a more just and equitable world. But this vision requires a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. That's why we're dedicated to supporting the next generation of humanitarian engineers in several ways.

1. Expanding Access: Cultivating Diverse STEM Talent

Our brand-new STEM outreach program is breaking down barriers and sparking a passion for STEM in non-traditional and diverse student populations. Targeting community colleges in seven states, we're aiming to reach 10,000 students by the end of 2026! Through engaging workshops, we introduce them to the world of global humanitarian engineering. These interactive sessions, currently focusing on water access solutions, are just the beginning. Imagine future programs exploring climate change mitigation or sustainable energy solutions!

2. Bridging the Gap: Real-World Learning Opportunities

EWB-USA offers a unique platform for students to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Through our projects, students work alongside experienced engineers and community members to design and implement sustainable solutions. For example, Andrew played a crucial role in the Kavule School Project in Uganda, bridging language barriers, sharing cultural insights, and ensuring the project aligned with local needs. These experiences not only develop technical skills but also foster leadership, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication abilities for all of the parties involved.

3. Fostering a Culture of Global Collaboration

EWB-USA is committed to fostering a global community of engineers. We believe that collaboration is key to solving complex challenges. Through our international projects and partnerships, students have the opportunity to connect with engineers from around the world, share knowledge, and learn from diverse perspectives. This global network provides invaluable support and inspiration for future humanitarian engineers.

4. Building Confidence and Inspiration

Beyond technical skills, EWB-USA nurtures the whole engineer. Through our programs, students gain valuable experience in leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication. The confidence and inspiration gained from these experiences are crucial for the next generation of humanitarian engineers.

Investing in the future means investing in education. EWB-USA is committed to empowering the next generation of engineers to tackle the world's toughest challenges. Through innovative outreach programs, real-world learning opportunities, and a focus on global collaboration, we are building a brighter future, one project and one student at a time.

Special Thank you to Kate Domain, President of the EWB-USA Illinois Institute of Technology Chapter for sharing the information for this story with us.