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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Achieving Energy Self-Sufficiency at Guantanamo Bay
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay achieved energy self-sufficiency through a record-setting energy savings performance contract that enabled construction of a state-of-the-art combined cycle power plant. -
Evaluating Energy Needs With State-of-the-Art Simulations
Incorporating downscaled global models of future climate change-induced weather trends and other projection technologies into energy performance contracts can aid in properly designing systems to meet rapidly evolving needs. -
Employing Microgrids for Installation Energy Resilience
To increase mission readiness and stay prepared for the energy needs of tomorrow, the Department of the Air Force is investing in microgrid solutions across the enterprise to remain resilient in the face of environmental, physical, and cyber threats. -
Powering Puerto Rico
Following Hurricane Fiona in 2022, the time-critical construction, installation, and short-term operation of temporary power at Palo Seco Power Plant and San Juan Power Plant was crucial to restoring essential services.
