We operate through local offices and partners in Latin America and Africa, and we collaborate with universities and companies worldwide. We prioritize places where a safe crossing or reliable WASH system will have an outsized impact on the community in need.

Who We Are

These are two of the highest impact technologies in the world, and our focus enables us to be best-in-class at both. Lack of safe river crossings and WASH systems both trap communities in cycles of poverty. Bridges restore year-round access to education, healthcare, markets, and more; WASH protects health and strengthens learning and livelihoods.

Communities and local governments surface needs; our in-country staff assess feasibility, impact, and community readiness. We prioritize projects with strong local ownership, high safety/health risk without the project, and a clear path for long-term operation and maintenance.

Ways to Get Involved

Most projects follow a year-round cycle: engagement and design, preparation and training, then an on-site construction window during optimal season. Exact timelines vary by terrain, scope, and community schedule. We set expectations with all partners before work begins.

Communities are co-creators. They contribute local knowledge, labor, and materials; help safeguard the site; and take on practical operation and maintenance responsibilities developed with our staff.

We look for designs that can be built and maintained locally, with appropriate materials and methods, and that have reliable funding and implementation partners. Every design is reviewed by experienced EIA staff to meet safety and durability standards.

We build pedestrian footbridges tailored to local terrain, drawing on proven, low-maintenance designs. Each structure is engineered for safety, accessibility, and durability in partnership with communities and local government.

Bridges

Typical on-site construction spans 8-12 weeks, depending on community availability, site conditions, and volunteer participation. The full project timeline includes months of planning, design, and logistics to ensure a safe, efficient build.

Bridges

We work across water, sanitation, and hygiene - examples include gravity or pumped systems, storage and treatment, school WASH upgrades, and handwashing facilities. Solutions are selected for potential impact and local maintainability.

WASH

Together with community leaders and local government, we assess sources, demand, quality, terrain, and operations & maintenance capacity. We then design for simplicity, reliability, and long-term serviceability.

WASH

Students, professionals, and “free agents” (individuals not tied to a team) are welcome. Many roles are engineering-related, but we also need project management, safety, logistics, language, communications, and more. We have roles and accompanying training for anyone and everyone.

Ways to Get Involved

It’s a mentored, year-long journey that mirrors professional practice. Students design real projects during the academic year and - after training under our staff and mentor network - work alongside the partner community during academic breaks to bring those designs to life.

University Program

Experienced professionals guide teams through scoping, design reviews, safety, and construction. Mentors model ethical, community-centered engineering and help students grow as globally competent professionals.

Mentor Program

Through our Industry Program, companies co-sponsor and help build essential infrastructure with communities in need - building team culture and leadership while making tangible community impact. Partners can contribute funding, in-kind materials, technical reviews, and volunteers.

Industry Program

Matchmaker connects companies with top student talent from our University Program. It’s a win-win-win: students find great careers, companies recruit globally competent problem-solvers, and EIA strengthens its mission.

Matchmaker Program

If you’re not part of a university or company team, we can place you with one, based on your skills and availability. Free Agents receive the same training and contribute as full teammates.

Free Agent Program

Commitments vary by role and project. We share expected design milestones, travel windows, and anticipated expenses (e.g., travel, lodging, insurance) before you commit.

Ways to Get Involved

Absolutely. Remote roles include design support, reviews, scheduling, fundraising, translation, and communications - all critical work that keeps projects moving year-round.

Ways to Get Involved

Safety is non-negotiable - from design standards and construction protocols to travel, health, and site practices. Teams complete required training, mentors and staff provide oversight, and plans adapt to seasonal and site conditions.

We are committed to safe, ethical, and inclusive programs. To confidentially raise concerns, email incidents@engineersinaction.org; we protect identities and respond with care and thoroughness.

We track outputs (what we build), outcomes (access, health, time saved), and learning (student and mentor growth). Findings inform future design, training, and delivery - and we share results with communities and partners.

Publications

Gifts fund community engagement, design and materials, local staffing, training, and long-term support. We emphasize value: appropriate technology, local procurement, and responsible volunteering.

Donate

Yes. Online donations generate automatic receipts; for other methods, we’ll send a receipt after processing. Need another copy? Just let us know and we’ll resend.

Contact Us

In-kind support (materials, equipment, professional services) can be very helpful when it fits local standards and logistics. Reach out and we’ll explore alignment with active projects.

Contact Us

Tell us how you’d like to engage (volunteer, partner, sponsor), and we’ll share the best pathway, timeline, and training to get you started. Together, we’ll build a world with essential infrastructure for all!

Get Involved • Contact Us