

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 26, 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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- Webinar
Journey to SAME Fellow Webinar
No two careers are the same and our paths may twist and turn as we carry our passions towards out goals. However, those detours don’t need to come at the expense of our long-term goals and achievements! In fact, they may be some of the most rewarding and challenging experiences. Thinking through and making a game plan during these seasons to make sure our long-term goals stay on track is incredibly important if we want to meet those goals. -
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Assessment and Inspection Process for Sites with General Radioactive Materials
A framework has been recently developed which provides a standardized approach in conducting a Preliminary Assessment (PA) and Site Inspection (SI) for sites with a known presence or potential presence of General-Radioactive Materials (G-RAM). -
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Business Impacts of the FAR Revisions and Contract Vehicle Realignment
The government contracting landscape has been redefined through recent revisions to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs). All businesses alike and federal agencies are operating under a totally new set of rules based on recently released FAR 19 revisions and contract vehicle realignment. -
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Credentialing for Successful Careers
This webinar will provide an overview of professional credentialing pathways for individuals transitioning within or into the A/E/C, national security, and public service sectors.
Related TME Articles – College Outreach
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Meeting Energy Challenges Through Nuclear Microreactors and Data Technologies
To address evolving threats and demands on installation energy security, the Department of the Air Force is pursuing pilot projects exploring advanced nuclear microreactors, powered by cutting-edge data tools, to increase readiness and resiliency. -
Construct, Catch, Train: Delivering Cradle-to-Grave European Theater Aircraft Arresting Systems
In preparation for a delivery of F-16 fighter aircraft to Malacky AB, the 435th Construction & Training Squadron completed the overseas repair of an aging aircraft arresting system, confronting timing challenges to complete the installation ahead of schedule. -
Embracing Modern Mass Communications Systems
Modern mass communication systems utilizing Internet Protocol-based adoption offer many benefits over legacy analog systems for military bases, including critical issues of security, functionality, and compliance to meet evolving expectations, standards, and safety requirements. -
Rethinking Traditional Treatment Systems for PFAS Remediation
At two U.S. Air Force bases impacted by historical releases of aqueous film-forming foam, innovative methods in treating PFAS in both surface water and groundwater provide examples of success in safeguarding health for military personnel and nearby communities.