what is EWB


		Mission and Purpose
MISSION		EWB is a national, non-profit organization established to help developing areas worldwide with their engineering needs, while involving and training a new kind of internationally responsible engineering student.
PROJECTS		Projects involve the design and construction of water supply, wastewater, sanitation, energy, and shelter systems. EWB at Fort Lewis College is currently working on projects in small villages in northern Thailand and northwestern Nepal.
SUSTAINABILITY		Appropriate technology and sustainable practices are part of the basic philosophy of EWB. Projects are initiated by, and completed with help from the host community, which is trained to operate the systems without external assistance.
VOLUNTEERS		Groups of students under the supervision of faculty and professional mentors work on the projects. By involving students in every step of the process, the program maximizes their learning and awareness of the social, economic, environmental, political, ethical, and cultural impacts of engineering projects. Community members are involved as professional mentors and in other capacities.
HELPING COMMUNITIES		The villages that we are working with are in remote and undeveloped areas without reliable potable water, sanitation, energy or other basic services. Disease and hardship are a way of life for these people. They are primarily subsistence farmers without the financial or technical resources to afford what we consider basic infrastructure.
OPPORTUNITIES		Students have a unique opportunity to work on a real project and learn about a different culture. This is an invaluable educational experience that is preparing students to be responsible citizens in a global age. Through professional mentors and other local volunteers our goal is to make this a community effort with opportunities for anyone who is interested to help. Through Engineers Without Borders we can all make a difference.