About the Office

Mission

The purpose of the Office of Engineering and Public Service is to enhance the academic and professional development of engineering students through the application of engineering skills to public service related projects, activities, and research. By creating opportunities for students to engage in deep technical learning, develop valuable leadership and team-building skills, and produce a lasting positive impact on the community, we aim to enrich the education of Stanford engineers and encourage them toward a lifetime of ethical and effective public service.

Goals

• Aid faculty wishing to incorporate public service into their courses and projects.
• Support students and student organizations interested in engineering-related service projects and opportunities.
• Publicize and administer service-related engineering opportunities, including fellowships, internships, and job listings.
• Create lasting partnerships with NGOs, schools, and other organizations to enhance opportunities for deepened learning and sustainable projects.

Background and History

In the spring of 2004, with the support of faculty, a group of engineering students passionate about public service submitted a proposal for a new center for engineering and public service to be based in the School of Engineering. Their goal was to enhance support in the School of Engineering for faculty and students wishing to engage in public service and in doing so to aid in the professional development and social awareness of Stanford engineering students.

Launched in October, 2005, the office seeks to develop methods of integrating community-based learning with engineering with resulting positive learning outcomes as well as social benefit. By partnering with local organizations, supporting faculty in development of service-learning courses, and helping students and student groups enhance their effectiveness in their work with communities both local and global, the office seeks to provide opportunities for students to enrich their Stanford engineering experience with real-world problem solving.