Community Mission
The College Outreach Community leads collaborative efforts between SAME and academia to identify and resolve national security infrastructure-related challenges and supports Post’s efforts to mentor and develop future STEM professionals at the collegiate-level. The community serves as a bridge between academia, Posts, government (military and civilian), and the private sector. The community provides guidance to the network of student chapters across the Society, promotes internship opportunities from SAME sustaining members, and will establish a new engineering competition for students designed to address the nation’s grand challenges.
Overview
The SAME College Outreach Community strives to organize programs and present opportunities to future military and civilian members of the A/E/C profession that will foster networking within their professional community, build leadership skills, and provide job opportunities to recent graduates. Additionally, students with an active membership within SAME have at their disposal a wealth of knowledge and experiences from professionals throughout the A/E/C community of practice.
Executive Community Structure
Vice Chairs
Danielle Hughes, Communications
Jeffrey Allen, Academia Engagement
Staff Liaison
Sarah Feighery, Program Manager
2026 SAME Undergraduate Innovation Design Challenge
Submissions for the 2025-26 SAME Undergraduate Innovation Design Challenge are due by February 6, 2026. This competition, led by the College Outreach COI, evaluates design projects that are being developed by student members as part of their degree curriculums and highlights the innovative thinking of the next generation of STEM professionals.
Learn more about the Innovation Design ChallengeUpcoming National Webinars
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AI as Load Shock: Rethinking Energy Security and Mission Assurance
The rapid expansion of AI computing, electrification, and mission-critical digital infrastructure is fundamentally altering the energy security landscape. While AI is often discussed as a software capability or data challenge, its most immediate national security impact is physical: unprecedented, concentrated, and inflexible electrical demand that stresses grid infrastructure and traditional resilience assumptions. -
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Ready. Set. SBC: Party of One: Maximizing SBC on Your Own
Heading to SAME’s Small Business Conference solo? A team of one can still make a big impact with the right strategy. Hear from experienced SBC attendees on how to prioritize your time, navigate networking opportunities, make meaningful connections, and get the most value from the conference without trying to be everywhere at once. -
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Ready. Set. SBC: Small Team, Big Impact: Booth Best Practices for SAME SBC
You don’t need a large team or an elaborate booth to make an impact at SAME’s Small Business Conference. This webinar will introduce you to three very experienced SBC exhibitors who will share practical strategies for engaging attendees, start meaningful conversations, manage your booth with minimal staff, and make the most of every interaction. -
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SAME National Leadership Opportunities 2026
Interested in exploring leadership opportunities at the national level within SAME? Have you ever wondered how to get involved in a national leadership role? It’s easier than you may think, and yes, you have what it takes! And with SAME national leadership nominations opening Oct. 1, the timing is perfect to learn more. -
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The Latest in HRSC: Real-Time Data and Remedial Alternatives
The process of High-Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC) continues to evolve, giving environmental professionals faster, more defensible ways to understand and remediate contaminated sites.
Related TME Articles – College Outreach
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Addressing Emerging Threats Through Innovative Bunker Design
The 41st Engineer Battalion, deployed in southern Syria, designed a bunker with local materials to confront unmanned aerial systems—but further support is needed to fully address this emerging threat in forward operating locations. -
Driving Infrastructure Delivery in the Pacific Through Cultural Intelligence
Ongoing investments to improve ports and harbors in Palau and Yap under the Pacific Deterrence Initiative demonstrate the vital importance of collaboration and local partnerships in delivering successful infrastructure in remote locations. -
Models for Resilience in California’s Battery Investment
As California expands battery energy storage, a project in San Jacinto provides a practical model for installations seeking to maintain energy continuity. -
Restoring Drinking Water Resilience at Bee Tree Reservoir
After Hurricane Helene overwhelmed the William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant and cut potable water to residents, USACE Wilmington District led the rapid deployment of a turbidity reduction system to restore treatment.
