EWB-USA is innovative in that it brings together students, academia, and professional practice to focus on a need in a developing community, rather than the need of a student, need of a university, or need of a client. It is through this focus on service, rather than self, that is catalyzing the engineering profession to work with developing communities.
The student chapters of EWB are molding the internationally-conscious engineers of tomorrow. Become a mentor and be a part of the ingenuity that these young engineers inspire. You will be a part of a team of 2-3 mentors for a particular student project. All that is required is technical expertise in a particular system, field, or industry of relevance to the project. Mentors do not lead student projects and do not need prior EWB experience. Mentors are a resource to provide guidance and advice to the students. We currently have mentoring opportunities at Rice University, the University of Houston, and Texas A&M University at Galveston. Please contact Scott Williams at wscottw50@yahoo.com if you would like to get involved in one of the following mentoring opportunities:
| Rice University | |
| San Antonio, Nicaragua | Project consists of bio-sand filtration, a health education campaign, construction of new latrines, a pump and tank distribution system for wells in rough terrain, and possibly the building of a health clinic. Would like mentors with knowledge in water piping/pump system design, latrine design, and structural design. |
| Pueblo Nuevo Sur, Nicaragua | The team completed a water supply system project in May 2009 and is exploring options for a new project in the same community. Ideas for a new project include the design of a water distribution system to bring running water into people’s homes or the building of a community health center. Would like mentors with civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering expertise. |
| Las Crucitas, Honduras | Project consists of the installation of a robust water supply pipeline in the community, and the construction of a water storage tank and public baths. Would like mentors with knowledge of fluid mechanics for public bath design, education workshops for the developing world, and concrete construction. |
| University of Houston | |
| Telpochapa, Nicaragua | The chapter has recently found a project in the community of Telpochapa in Nicaragua. It involves the construction of a preschool, followed by an upgrade to the community’s sanitation system. A first assessment trip took place in March 2009. Would like mentors with structural engineering and/or construction experience. |
| Texas A&M at Galveston | |
| San Francisco Libre, Nicaragua | The newly formed A&M Galveston chapter is currently assessing a project in the community of San Francisco Libre in Nicaragua. The team is expecting this will be a clean water supply project. Would like mentors with knowledge in surveying, water testing, and simple construction methods with limited resources. |