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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- Webinar
Solving Complex CVOC Problems with ISTR– Field Proven Approaches
This webinar will first discuss the unique aspects of performance-based designs when considering procurement of thermal remediation services. Next, we will discuss how to evaluate criteria when selecting performance objectives, i.e., “ how do you define success?” -
- Webinar
The National Spatial Reference System: Modernizing Our Geodetic Foundation for the Future
The National Geodetic Survey (NGS), within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is in the process of making the critical transition from the current National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) to the upcoming, modernized (2022) system. -
- Webinar
CMMC Level 2: What A/E Firms Must Know Before November
Starting November 10, 2026, the Department of Defense will require CMMC Level 2 certification for contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Unlike prior self-attestation requirements, this mandate requires verification by an accredited third-party assessor before a firm can be awarded or retain applicable DoD contracts.
Related TME Articles – College Outreach
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Designing a Submarine Testing Facility at China Lake
When planning a first of its kind land-based submarine launch test facility at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, considerations needed to assure that it would not only be able to withstand the repeated force of heavy test launches but meet environmental sustainability standards as well. -
Navigating the Air Force Sundown Policy for Fire Suppression Systems
The Department of the Air Force recently released a new sundown policy for foam fire suppression systems, which meant that two ongoing fire protection system upgrades required expedited redesigns to remain compliant. -
Preserving Historical Building 56 at Fort Sam Houston
Originally constructed more than 200 years ago, Building 56 at Fort Sam Houston recently underwent a detailed renovation to convert it into modern administrative space that also preserves its historical and cultural importance. -
Designing Hangars for the Aircraft of Today and Tomorrow
Redesigning a maintenance hangar for the New Jersey Air National Guard required not only meeting current requirements but incorporating flexibility to address the needs of tomorrow’s aircraft.
