Founded in 2016, the SAME Foundation was created to strengthen and expand the philanthropic efforts of the Society of American Military Engineers and to honor the lasting contributions of its members, partners, and stakeholders. Building on a century of progress in the engineering, architecture, and construction fields, the Foundation was established with a clear purpose: to foster engineering leadership for the nation.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors held its inaugural meeting on January 26, 2017—marking a pivotal milestone in advancing the goals of the 2020 SAME Strategic Plan. Today, as we carry forward the vision of the 2030 SAME Strategic Plan and look toward the Society’s second century of service, the SAME Foundation stands poised to make an even greater impact.

Through the generous support of its donors and partners, the Foundation is expanding opportunities to develop the next generation of military, government civilian, and A/E/C industry professionals. Together, we are helping STEM journeys begin and rising leaders soar, ensuring a strong, prepared, and inspired workforce for the future.

For a decade, the SAME Foundation has been investing in the future of the A/E/C profession and strengthening our nation’s STEM and national security workforce. What began as a bold vision in 2016 has grown into a powerful force for developing leaders, expanding opportunities, and inspiring the next generation.

As we celebrate 10 years of service, growth, and impact, we honor the supporters, volunteers, and partners who have helped bring the Foundation’s mission to life.

Donate to SAME Foundation

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A Decade of Milestones

• 2016 – SAME Foundation established to foster engineering leadership for the nation
• 2017 – First Foundation Board of Directors meeting shapes governance and mission
• 2019 – Leader Development Program formally launches with Foundation support
• 2020–2025 – Rapid expansion of program funding, outreach, and impact reports.
• 2025 –Foundation approved for listing in the Combined Federal Campaign: CFC# 59814
• 2025 – Foundation announces the inaugural Soaring Eagle Award
• 2026 – Foundation celebrates 10 years and announces future growth goals
• 2026 – SAME Foundation launches $6 million “Securing the Future” endowment campaign

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“Our nation must have a continuous pipeline of quality engineering and STEM leaders to address these complex national security and infrastructure challenges. The SAME Foundation was specifically created to attack this need by leveraging the charitable capacity of our Society and of engineering and related professions. This is your opportunity to make a difference.“

–Hal Rosen, F.SAME (Dist.), SAME Foundation President, 2020-2022

Join Us: Support the Next Decade of Impact

Your donation directly strengthens the programs shaping America’s future engineers and leaders.

Donate to SAME Foundation

Developing Future Engineering Leaders

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The SAME Foundation engages the philanthropic community by identifying impactful Society leader development initiatives. Program outcomes present a diversity of impact that ensures the Society endures for the next 100 years.

Leader Development Program

Through support from the SAME Foundation, in 2019 SAME launched the Leader Development Program to identify and cultivate talent from within the Society’s membership to address the nation’s grand challenges. The program supports the development of the next generation of world-class military, government, and industry leaders through a curriculum of hands-on training, study, utilization projects, and active engagement in new opportunities.

Engineering & Construction Camps

Working with the network of Posts, volunteers, and sponsors, and support from the SAME Foundation, the Society develops, maintains, and grows a variety of camps to provide in-person experiences to students interested in exploring STEM-related skills and careers. The net outcome is more technical professionals available to meet the nation’s needs.

Camps Mentoring Program

The SAME Foundation supports the participation of members to serve as mentors at the Engineering & Construction Camps. Mentors play a vital role in providing a rigorous and supportive camp experience. By interacting with the campers, their guidance and advice, based on their own experience and education, creates strong bonds that last beyond the camps. Participants are no longer alone in pursuit of a STEM degree. They know they have someone to count on and get answers or support. This relationship is extremely valuable to their academic and professional trajectory.

STEM Pathways Program

Designed as a framework for SAME Posts to engage Indigenous communities in STEM, the “We Must Go to Them” project (created through the Leader Development Program) was selected for a grant from the United Engineering Foundation in 2021. The SAME Foundation has furthered its involvement in this important effort, now STEM Pathways, by underwriting the cost-match required to conduct pilot activities in Alaska, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Florida.

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Securing the Future

As the SAME Foundation launches its $6 million “Securing the Future” Endowment Campaign, we are laying the groundwork for sustained, long-term support of these critical programs. By investing in the endowment, donors help ensure that leadership development, mentoring, STEM outreach, and national security–focused initiatives will thrive for generations to come.

Questions? Contact Kathy Off, SAME Director of Governance & Philanthropy.

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The first 10 years were just beginning.

Join us in securing the next century of engineering leadership for the nation.

Donate to SAME Foundation