UIUC Engineers in Action Bridge Program designs and constructs footbridges over impassable rivers with rural communities worldwide to strive for a world with equal opportunity. We’ve been building footbridges for 4 years, a footbridge each in Guatemala and Panama and 2 footbridges in Bolivia, and we’re planning to build our 5th bridge in the upcoming summer. These bridges lead to a 12% increase in children enrolled in school, a 59% increase of women in the labor market, and an 18% increase in healthcare treatment for communities. The unique and immersive cultural and professional experience students get from these projects are transformative and allow us to develop strong leadership and critical thinking skills.
We spend the school year fundraising all the costs of the footbridge construction, service, and maintenance in addition to preparing detailed concept, design, and construction plans with professional engineers and organization staff. During general meetings, we catch up with each other and bring in alumni and corporate sponsors to learn about the multitude of professional paths. Outside of the general meetings, we have group fundraisers and social events that help bond our growing family of students from all backgrounds and with various interests.
Sign up here if this sounds interesting to you! Reach out to us at eiabridgesuiuc@gmail.com if you have any questions and follow our journey on Instagram and LinkedIn.
UIUC EIA Bridge Program Introduction Video
2019 Flores Rancho, Bolivia Bridge Project
