Who We Are
Engineers Without Borders PSU is a student group at Portland State University, affiliated with
Engineers Without Borders USA, dedicated to assisting developing communities around the world.
We are students from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines, and skills who work in concert with faculty advisors, professional
mentors, and local community leaders to assess and implement engineering projects that provide for basic human needs, such as clean
water, power, sanitation, and education. We believe that we can empower developing communities to improve their own conditions
while developing our skills as professionals and as leaders.
What We Do
EWB-PSU's international work focuses primarily on the Central American country of Nicaragua. After many years of work in the country,
specifically in the region of Carazo, we have nurtured important relationships among various government organizations and many
interested and capable local contacts whose contributions have been invaluable to our success. We work with local governments and
community leaders to identify problems we can address. After extensive assessment and data collection, we work with professional mentors
and faculty advisors to create an effective engineering solution, which we then propose to the community and government. When stakeholders
have agreed on a solution, EWB-PSU works to raise the funding necessary to build the project and supervises its implementation.
Aside from our international work, we also work locally to educate and spread awareness on issues of international development and
sustainability. Our general meetings often feature a guest speaker or media presentation on topics related to our core work, and
throughout the year we sponsor fundraising events designed to promote our core values.
How You Can Help
The most direct and effective way you can help is to join us. If you're an interested PSU student,
regardless of major or class status, please come to our meetings or contact us
for more information. While engineering work is a major part of what we do, successfully completing our projects relies on a variety of skills
from other disciplines, including architecture, urban planning, public health, business, economics, and language. Regardless of your background,
if you're interested in participating, there is a way for you to help.
Our other critical need is funding. Without the generous contribution of organizations and individuals, our successes would not have
happened. If you're interested in supporting our projects financially, please donate or
contact us for more information.