UCLA Engineers Impact Global Communities Through Innovative Projects

In a remarkable display of engineering and humanitarianism, students from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are making substantial contributions to global communities through their involvement with Engineers Without Borders (EWB). This student-led organization connects engineering students with underserved communities to develop practical solutions for pressing issues such as clean water access, education, and sustainable agriculture.

One such student, Julia Gutierrez, a mathematics major at UCLA, has embraced this mission since joining the organization in April 2023. After initially planning a career in aerospace, Gutierrez’s perspective shifted dramatically when she participated in a clean-water project in Uganda. Now, she aspires to work with a non-governmental organization (NGO) post-graduation to further her commitment to impactful work.

Founded in 2004, the UCLA chapter of EWB is one of 150 campus affiliates across the United States. The organization collaborates with local NGOs and community groups to approve and implement development projects worldwide. Over the years, the UCLA chapter has executed projects in nine countries, including significant initiatives in Nicaragua, Uganda, and Nepal.

Uganda: A Lifeline for Clean Water

In March 2021, the UCLA EWB chapter committed to a clean-water initiative in Bukonko, a farming village in eastern Uganda. The project, which had no previous EWB involvement in Africa, aimed to provide reliable water access for the local community. The proposed plan included drilling a hand pump well closer to the village center and eventually upgrading it to a solar-powered unit that would distribute water to five tap stands.

Project co-manager Logan McDevitt and a team of UCLA students traveled to Uganda for a site assessment in spring 2022. Their efforts resulted in a successful drilling operation, yielding over 64,400 gallons of clean water daily from a borehole located more than 200 feet deep. This accomplishment brought immense joy to the community, as expressed by local representatives who celebrated the arrival of clean water.

Nepal: Empowering Survivors of Trafficking

Another significant initiative involves a collaboration with Anjali Tamang, a trafficking survivor and activist in Nepal. Tamang established the Freedom School to combat the cycles of trafficking and child marriage in her village. To support this mission, EWB UCLA is constructing a poultry farm that will provide food security and income for survivors and women in the community.

In the fall of 2023, EWB UCLA began working on this project, aiming to build a 1,000-square-foot chicken coop. By January 2025, the construction was underway, and students were actively involved in onsite inspections and hands-on tasks. The coop is expected to house up to 400 chickens, fulfilling Tamang’s vision for community empowerment.

California: Addressing Local Food Deserts

In Ontario, California, EWB UCLA is tackling food insecurity in partnership with the nonprofit Huerta del Valle. This grassroots organization provides organic food access to residents in a region classified as a food desert. The students are designing and constructing ten wheelchair-accessible raised garden beds to facilitate the participation of disabled gardeners.

Co-project managers Valeria Sanchez Garcia and Ryan Booher led this initiative, engaging with the community to understand their needs and aspirations. By January 2025, the design was finalized and approved, with a focus on sustainable materials and accessibility.

Innovative Projects in Ethiopia and Nicaragua

UCLA EWB is also making strides in Ethiopia, where the organization is implementing modern latrines, a clean-water system, and remote learning infrastructure at Gende Garada Primary School in Dire Dawa. This project was proposed by Jalal Abdel-Latif, an alumnus with deep ties to the region.

In Nicaragua, the chapter is working on a new schoolhouse project that will serve as both a K–12 educational facility and a storm shelter for the community of San Sebastián. After facing various challenges, including budget constraints and design modifications, the students persevered and successfully completed the construction, fulfilling a long-standing promise to the community.

The UCLA chapter of Engineers Without Borders continues to thrive, embodying a commitment to social responsibility and engineering excellence. By engaging students from diverse disciplines—including engineering, business, and political science—the organization fosters an inclusive environment that empowers its members to apply their skills for the greater good. As Gutierrez states, “I want to be involved in work that has a real-world impact.” With each project, EWB UCLA is proving that engineering can be a powerful tool for positive change worldwide.