Engineers Without Borders is a national non-profit, service-based organization made up of 300 chapters focused on creating sustainable solutions for infrastructure needs around the world. All the work done by NDSU’s chapter is 100% student-led.
Seven students from NDSU’s Engineers Without Borders recently traveled to La Providencia, Guatemala, to build a water distribution system that will change lives for years to come.
“This was a life changing experience for our members, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to serve this beautiful community,” said Paige Sanders, president of NDSU’s EWB chapter and a junior environmental engineering major. “I am incredibly proud of our team for the time, dedication, and hard work that went into the design, fundraising, and physical construction of our project. It feels great to know that we made a real difference in the lives of so many people before our engineering careers have even begun.”
La Providencia is a small community of approximately 450 people located about three hours northwest of Guatemala City. Comprised primarily of small ranches, most goods and services come directly from the community with occasional outside deliveries from neighboring villages.
“The level of development in La Providencia varies greatly throughout the community,” Sanders said. “While some areas have maintained roads, concrete buildings, and well access, others are comprised of unsteady structures and rough dirt roads.”
Many people around the area must hike over three miles round trip to acquire water from a spring, but thanks the teamwork of four EWB USA chapters, La Providencia and two nearby villages will receive direct access to clean water.
“It’s hard to understand how important this project is to these people without being able to see them and how much they were struggling without the water,” said Benjamin Hubbard a junior majoring in civil engineering. “Seeing just how thankful the community was and seeing how much this project will improve their quality of life gave me a completely new perspective on my life and my work. Knowing how much I can help people through my career and seeing how much it means to these people was humbling, to say the least.”
Construction of the water distribution system will continue over the next 1-2 months. Once complete, even the most underdeveloped regions of the community will have access to treated water within their homes. In total, over 1800 people across three communities will have clean water for the next 20 years. A small team from NDSU is planning to travel back to La Providencia in Fall 2025 to complete the required maintenance and evaluation trip in-person.
“My favorite memory was a soccer game that we played with the children, adults, and leaders of La Providencia near the end of the trip. After a week of doing labor in the hot Guatemalan sun, the friendly competition was a great way to connect with the community,” Sanders said.
Other team members who made the trip include Mak Schilling a 2024 civil engineering graduate, Eliot Schumacher a senior mechanical engineering major, Rachel Anderson a senior environmental engineering major, Blake O’Hara a sophomore mechanical engineering major, Aidan Greiff a sophomore civil engineering major, and Bob Meurer a professional engineer from Bolton and Menk Inc.
Engineers Without Borders is a national non-profit, service-based organization made up of 300 chapters focused on creating sustainable solutions for infrastructure needs around the world. All the work done by NDSU’s chapter is 100% student-led. Throughout the process of each project EWB prepares students for their future careers by providing real-world experience. Members learn how to design complex systems, develop relationships with peers and professionals in the industry, and use their knowledge to serve communities.
“This practical and impactful experience grants students a deeper understanding of the topics learned in school and a greater appreciation for the engineering profession as a whole,” said Sanders.
Once the water distribution system in La Providencia complete, NDSU’s chapter will start work on a new project in a different country, while continuing their work locally on K-12 STEM outreach.
“When I first came to NDSU I had already heard about EWB at campus tours and I found it interesting. So entering college I committed to attending a few NDSU meetings,” said Hubbard. “My advice to all students, get involved with something. Join a club, do a sport, just do something. I promise it’ll make your college experience much richer than it would otherwise be.”
“NDSU has endless opportunities to get involved and make your education your own. Attend events, join student organizations, and explore all of your passions,” Sanders said.
Students can learn more about NDSU’s EWB chapter online and get involved with the organization at any time by showing up to biweekly meetings, following them on Instagram, and joining the organization on myNDSU.
