The Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin offers students the opportunity to work with global communities on multidisciplinary projects that include all engineering fields, including mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical and biomedical.

Project Implementation

Phase I: Project Assessment

During the Fall semester, students evaluate prospective projects identified
by international communities for feasibility, risk, impact and sustainability.

Phase II: Concept Selection and Design

During the Spring semester, students focus on concept selection, design
and fundraising. They also lead reconnaissance trips to the communities.

Project Implementation

During the summer, team members travel to their international destinations to implement engineering projects with the help of community members and professional volunteers.

The Impact

During the summer, students in the pilot class worked with community members in Patriensa, Ghana and Santa Cruz, Peru, to improve sanitation for more than 1,175 children, who now have access to clean drinking water.

"The course showed me the immense need around the world for better infrastructure, for improving the supply and quality of water, and for working with governments and organizations in harmony to serve our communities," Rosaura Estrada, a civil engineering senior who served as the communications lead for the Peru team says. "This experience has motivated me to continue working towards my degree in civil engineering so that I can make a contribution to fix those needs."

During its pilot year, PUC earned a 2010 International Award for Innovative Practices in Higher Education from the University Design Consortium at Arizona State University.