Empower Communities to Access Clean Water. Build Real Engineering Skills.
Gain real-world experience conducting field assessments, mapping and surveying, designing water systems and presenting your design to community leaders alongside Global Brigades engineers. Bring water to those that need it most.
What You Do on an Engineering Consulting Program
Gain 30+ hours of hands-on engineering experience while making an impact
Discover
Meet community leaders. Understand the water challenge.
Assess
Measure water sources. Conduct field testing. Map existing infrastructure.
Design
Develop engineering solutions alongside licensed engineers.
Present
Deliver recommendations to community leaders.
Reflect
Learn sustainable infrastructure and international development.
Students design alongside licensed Global Brigades engineers, who provide technical oversight throughout.
Be a Part of a Global Impact
Sample Itinerary
Meet the Community
Every project begins with understanding the unique engineering challenge facing one of our partner communities. Real engineering empowerment means designing water systems around the specific, tangible needs identified by the communities themselves.
Here are a few examples of communities where we have worked or plan to work soon.
Why Central America?
Central America offers one of the world’s most dynamic environments for learning sustainable water systems engineering. Students work in mountainous terrain where gravity-fed water systems are essential, partner with remote communities that face complex infrastructure challenges, and collaborate on designs that balance technical performance, environmental sustainability, and long-term affordability.
It’s an opportunity to apply engineering principles to real-world challenges where thoughtful design can improve health and quality of life for generations.
Community Testimonials
Honduras
Las Nubes, San Marcos de Colon, Choluteca
2025
“The engineering program is excellent for community members and the community at large. We are very excited about the projects, and all community members are working to obtain all the necessary permits and paperwork so these projects can continue to benefit our community.
All community members are very enthusiastic about working for the community's development.
We are grateful to Global for their help and thank you very much for the handwashing stations they donated. Thank you on behalf of the community.”Irma Lorena Baca
Community Council President
Panama
Boca de Chiguiri, Penonome, Cocle
2024
“As president of the JAAR (Water Countil) and a member of the community, I can say that this has been a unique experience. It is the first time we have received a group to design an improvement project for the community, as you generally don't see that—usually, only short-term projects are carried out.
In this case, all the necessary steps and recommendations have been provided, keeping in mind not only the current population but also the future one. Because of this, we want to thank the Global Brigades group for their time and for having taken our community into consideration.”Jorge Domínguez
Water Council President
Student Testimonials
“I had a wonderful time on my engineering brigade to Guatemala. We worked toward improving access to water that was so desperately needed.
I would love to continue to travel to different countries across the world and assist them with improving their beautiful and culturally rich communities.”Mark Alston
“My experience with Global Brigades was phenomenal. We designed a water system and put our skills to use in an engaging community.
We designed a water system and a community as part of an engineering brigade it felt good to put our skills to use. The experience was incredible; from the food to the views, and the people, Honduras will always have a spot in my heart.”Zackary Pendleton
Why Global Brigades
“Our mission is to inspire, mobilize, and collaborate with communities to achieve their own health and economic goals.”
20+ Years
Development experience
100+
Universities Engaged
100+
Partner Communities
Goldstar
Rated 501c3 Non-Profit
500+
Year-Round Local Staff
Empowered Engineering Consulting is a student-led division of Global Brigades, a renowned 501c3 non-profit bringing two decades of international development experience and a network of hundreds of partner communities to your home or class.
Safety, Ethics, and Responsible Service
Safety Protocols
- Average 3:1 volunteer to staff ratio
- Trained coordinators and local logistics team
- Trained drivers and emergency support
- STEP registration for U.S. volunteers
- Embassy awareness and OSAC membership
Ethical Standards
- Community ownership of every project
- Informed consent
- Community-led project priorities
- Licensed engineer oversight of all designs
- Working under local professional guidance
- Compliance with water sector's local legislations and regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an engineering student?
No, students from all STEM and design backgrounds interested in water systems and community development are welcome.
What kind of engineering work will students do?
Students conduct complete water assessments, test flow rates, map and design water system components, plan piping routes, budget the system, and present the design to the community.
Where does the program operate?
Empowered Engineering Consulting operates in Guatemala and Panama, with programs also available in Honduras.
Where do my funds go?
Funds cover group airfare, ground transportation, lodging, meals, insurance, translators, local staff, and engineering project support.
What do communities receive?
A complete design, budget, and timeline for a water system that meets their needs, plus several months of follow-up by engineering staff to support them to complete the project.
How many students are needed to start a chapter?
A minimum of 10 volunteers, with no maximum. Recruit 10+ students to be eligible for a $1,000 Chapter Leader Scholarship (US & CAN).
Can professors participate?
Yes — professors are highly encouraged to join and are eligible for a $400 scholarship.
What happens after the brigade ends?
Communities receive several months of follow-up by engineering staff to support them to complete the project.
How far in advance should we plan?
Confirm dates and reserve space 10+ months prior, promote 8+ months prior, recruit toward the deposit deadline 5+ months prior, and prepare to travel in the final 6 months.