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Why do we need Engineers Without Borders?

At the beginning of the 21st century, humanity is facing tremendous global challenges:

  • 1.4 billion people in the world live on less than $1.25 a day; 2 billion live on less than $2 a day
  • Nearly 1.1 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water
    2.6 billion do not have access to proper sanitation
  • Unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and the lack of hygiene claim the lives of an estimated 1.6 million children under the age of five every year
  • 1.4 billion people lack access to direct electricity
  • 2.7 billion people still rely on traditional cooking using biomass energy
  • Household air pollution that results from biomass use will result in over 1.5 million deaths per year by 2030
  • Over a billion people do not have access to an all-weather road or telephone

These challenges must be met not only for the well-being of those in need but for the continued prosperity for all humanity. EWB-USA presents an opportunity to invest in the future of humanity, while simultaneously investing in the education of its members.

EWB-USA works to achieve a vision of a world in which all communities have the capacity to meet their basic human needs. This vision is actively pursued by engaging in community-driven development programs through the design and implementation of sustainable engineering projects. The organization is at the forefront of a movement in which university students and skilled engineers, often teaming with public health professionals, educators, business leaders and others, address some of the most prevalent challenges facing the world today, including water purification and delivery, sanitation, transportation and infrastructure projects, and sustainable and renewable energy systems.

Sources: The World Bank, The United Nations Development Programme

DISCLAIMER: 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 Frontieres.

How it Works

EWB-USA partners with developing communities in over 45 countries across the world. Our membership consists of professionals and students from a variety of professions including engineering, health, anthropology and business. EWB-USA members make up over 250 chapters located throughout the USA. Through its projects, EWB-USA provides innovative professional educational opportunities that provide a global perspective.

Each EWB-USA chapter makes at least a five-year commitment to a partnering community. With the community’s input, the chapter designs and implements low-cost, small-scale, replicable and sustainable engineering solutions to problems identified by the community. This includes water, sanitation, and renewable energy. EWB-USA members train local community members and local NGO’s to successfully monitor and maintain the projects.