

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
Related TME Articles – College Outreach
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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. -
Tackling Restoration Projects With Amphibious Excavators
When faced with soft and wet underfoot conditions, such as at a recent channel dewatering, excavation, and repair project for USACE Galveston District, amphibious excavators offer a scalable way to contour difficult site characteristics.