Building a better world: Engineers Without Borders—Cornell

About us

Engineers Without Borders–Cornell is a multidisciplinary team of students committed to advancing global equity through engineering. We collaborate with underserved communities to design and implement sustainable infrastructure solutions that improve quality of life. Our work integrates technical excellence, cultural sensitivity, and long-term impact—preparing future engineers to lead with purpose.

Our mission

We aim to:

• Co-design with communities: Partner directly with local stakeholders to identify needs and develop context-appropriate solutions.
• Advance sustainable development: Deliver environmentally responsible and economically viable engineering systems.
• Build capacity: Empower communities through education and training to maintain and expand upon our work independently.

Why partner with us

Your sponsorship enables the execution of high-impact engineering projects while supporting experiential learning for the next generation of socially conscious engineers. Contributions directly fund materials, travel, and implementation costs. Our team operates with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to measurable outcomes.

Current initiatives

International: San Cristobal, Bolivia

We are designing and implementing a sanitary sewer system for Barrio San Cristobal, a rural village of 500 residents in southern Bolivia. The system will mitigate wastewater contamination and ensure safe, reliable water access year-round. Our scope includes:

• Pump and piping infrastructure from a local well
• Community-led maintenance training
• Long-term monitoring and evaluation strategy

This initiative will reduce waterborne illness, improve hygiene, and support economic and educational advancement. It exemplifies our commitment to sustainable infrastructure and community empowerment.

Domestic: Austin, Texas

In collaboration with the Festival Beach Community Garden, our domestic team is conducting a drainage and irrigation study to support sustainable agriculture and combat food insecurity. Using HydroCAD modeling and site analysis, we are developing a stormwater management plan that restores natural runoff and reduces water costs—enhancing the garden’s capacity to serve its community.

Software development

We are developing two mobile applications:

• A carbon offsetting app to promote environmental stewardship through accessible sustainability tools.
• A platform for Cornell Wardrobe, streamlining access to professional attire for students in need.

Both apps are built with scalability and user experience in mind, leveraging full-stack development and community partnerships.

Digital agriculture

To address crop loss from Northern Leaf Blight, our team is building open-source UAV and UGV systems integrated with deep learning for early disease detection in maize. This project democratizes access to rapid phenotyping tools, enabling farmers—especially in developing regions—to increase yields and strengthen food security.

Business & outreach

Our Business Team drives strategic growth through:

• A redesigned website to enhance visibility and engagement
• Expanded social media outreach to amplify our mission
• A local STEM curriculum that introduces engineering principles to young students in Ithaca

Join us

Your support helps us turn ideas into action. Whether it’s a water system in Bolivia or a solar-powered project in Texas, your donation makes it possible.

| Donate now | Learn more about our projects | Follow us on Instagram | LinkedIn 

As a registered student organization, we are committed to equal access to all of our programs and do not discriminate based on any protected identity status.