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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An Installation of the Future: Planning, Programming, and Funding the Tyndall Rebuild
In the wake of Hurricane Michael, Tyndall AFB embarked on a visionary journey to become the “Installation of the Future”—a multi-layered program driven by reimagined master planning, resilient design, and flexible funding. -
Crossing a Landslide in Alaska
By leveraging collaborative delivery and a commitment to close partnering, the construction of a 475-ft single-span steel truss bridge over an active landslide in Denali National Park and Preserve has been able to successfully overcome evolving site concerns and significant geology challenges. -
A Standardized Approach to Aircraft Fire Training Infrastructure
To support enterprise-wide airmen readiness, the U.S. Air Force is modernizing its standard design for aircraft fire training facilities—introducing digital controls, dual-fuel systems, and PFAS-conscious infrastructure. -
Delivering Energetic Materials Manufacturing Facilities
Designing and constructing facilities that manufacture, process, handle, or store explosives and energetic materials present some of the most challenging defense projects—requiring technical experience, strict safety protocols, and a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks.
