Reston, Va.—In an effort to improve the quality of life in developing communities worldwide, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has formalized an affiliation agreement with Engineers Without Borders – USA (EWB). The agreement, which was approved at the meeting of ASCE's board of direction on October 31, 2007 in Orlando, Fla., establishes a relationship to provide assistance with engineering needs through the training and participation of civil engineers and engineering students.

"Both ASCE and EWB-USA support the common goals of making the world a better place and improving the engineering profession," said ASCE president David G. Mongan, P.E., F.ASCE. "It's a natural fit for our two organizations to work together to further each other's vision and activities to enhance the welfare of humanity."

"EWB-USA's very existence makes it clear that engineers are committed to using their knowledge and experience to help solve the biggest problems facing our world today. Formalizing our relationship with ASCE provides us tremendous support and exposure while serving as a model for partnerships with other professional organizations," said EWB-USA's Executive Director Cathy Leslie, P.E.

EWB-USA activities range from constructing sustainable systems that developing communities can own and operate without external assistance, to empowering communities by enhancing local, technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills. These projects are initiated by, and completed with, contributions from the host community working with EWB-USA project teams.

In cooperation with EWB-USA, ASCE aims to assist civil engineers and civil engineering students in increasing their awareness and education on the social, economic, environmental and cultural impacts of engineering while fostering the spread of appropriate and sustainable technological solutions within the day-to-day practice of engineering.

About ASCE
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents more than 140,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. For more information, visit www.asce.org.

About Engineers Without Borders – USA
Engineers Without Borders – USA (EWB-USA) is a non-profit humanitarian organization established to partner with developing communities worldwide in order to improve their quality of life. For more information, visit www.ewb-usa.org.