About Us
Who We Are
Engineers Without Borders at the University of Waterloo is a student-led community exploring what it means to be a systems-change thinker in a complex world.
We bring together students from different disciplines to learn, build, question, and take action on social and environmental challenges. Through our portfolios, design teams, and community projects, we create opportunities to look beyond the technical solution and understand the systems around it.
Where It Started
Engineers Without Borders Canada was founded in 2000 by George Roter and Parker Mitchell, two University of Waterloo engineering graduates. What began as an idea in a coffee shop grew into a national organization focused on developing leaders who can create meaningful change.
Our chapter was founded that same year, right here at Waterloo. Since then, students have continued to build on that legacy by bringing systems thinking, responsible engineering, and community engagement into their work.
What We Do
There isn't one way to get involved with EWB.
Our portfolios create opportunities to learn, connect, advocate, educate, and build community. Our design teams take on longer-term engineering and systems challenges across areas such as climate technology, campus sustainability, and community development.
Across all of our work, we ask bigger questions about the problems we're trying to address: who is affected, what systems shape them, and what meaningful change could look like.
Join Us!
You don't need to have all the answers to get involved with EWB! We're a community for students who want to learn, challenge their perspectives, and make an impact beyond the classroom.
General Member Applications
Interested in joining UW EWB and getting involved with our portfolios, design teams, and events?
Apply to Become a General Member →Lead & Executive Member Applications
Interested in taking on a leadership role and helping shape the future of UW EWB?
Apply to Join the Executive Team →