Related CU Programs

Engineers without Borders at CU began in 2000 by professor Bernard Amadei with the goal of creating positive change for developing communities through the combined efforts of students, faculty, professional engineers and community members.We believe in change that can contribute positively to the communities in which we work; change that started now will provide new solutions over time; and change that can interrupt the cycle of poverty.
We believe in the people in host communities who define the development projects and contribute to insuring ownership, appropriateness, and long-term effectiveness; people who can solve their own problems.We believe in partnerships with a broad cadre of institutional, academic, development, and engineering professionals who are willing to assist in building toward a more equitable and sustainable world.We believe in sustainable projects that are symbiotic with the environment, society, and culture.

INVST Community Studies believes in the possibility of a just and sustainable world.  We develop engaged citizens and leaders who work for the benefit humanity and the environment.  In order to fulfill our mission, we offer:  1.) a comprehensive two-year Community Leadership Program (CLP) that develops community leaders who engage in compassionate action as a lifetime commitment,  2.)  Community Studies electives that foster civic responsibility and leadership potential, and 3.) a Youth Council for Public Policy that empowers young people to use the democratic process as a tool for positive social change, and to be responsible citizens and advocates for their generation.  The INVST Community Leadership Program is our flagship program

Service learning (SL) is a pedagogical strategy that combines community service with classroom learning. It is a tool used widely by sociologists to encourage students to make connections between classroom learning and the larger community. The consensus of scores of articles and books written about the benefits of service learning is that service learning, when done effectively, greatly enhances the educational experience for students and teachers, and for the university and community at large.