Find the answers to all your questions about our vision and program.

What does the EIA Bridge Program do?

We believe that the world needs globally-minded engineers. We also believe that safe access is a human right. Access is an equalizer, creating equal opportunity for all members of a community. We act on these beliefs by turning rural isolation into connection. We are a program within the Engineers in Action organization that is focused on designing and constructing pedestrian footbridges. We do this by working alongside community members, university chapters, and governments to build footbridges. You can click here to learn more about what our parent organization does.

The isolated communities where we work are cut off from schools, health clinics, and markets for months out of the year. The rivers our footbridges span are perilous to cross on foot and often become completely impassable during the rainy season. Footbridges create improved access to essential services and opportunity.

Learn more about our approach.

Where does the EIA Bridge Program work?

We currently work throughout Bolivia and Eswatini, with a new program launching in West Virginia to build vehicular bridges. Take a look at our Projects page; there you can see past projects we've completed in many other countries!

Does the EIA Bridge Program do other kinds of projects?

We believe there is efficiency and strength in specialization. By limiting our focus to pedestrian bridges, we have become an expert in footbridge design and construction. Engineers in Action works on other kinds of projects, mostly focusing on implementation of clean water systems. You can read more at: What We Do or Why Bridges?

How does the EIA Bridge Program decide where to build a footbridge?

Our in-country staff members forge strong ties with local organizations and governments, who often are already aware of areas that may benefit from a safe river crossing. We collaborate with these partners to identify a potential bridge site and then we determine project feasibility by assessing level of need, community participation, and long term partnership potential with local governments.

How long does it take to build a bridge?

Our suspended bridge projects generally take eight weeks to complete, depending on the commitment and availability of the community, site conditions, and the participation of university chapters.

How long is the longest bridge the EIA Bridge Program has constructed?

Our longest suspended bridges are the Las Pencas and San Diego bridges in Nicaragua, which both measure 120 m, or 393.7 ft.

What is the EIA Bridge Program's technical feasibility criteria to consider a project?

All projects must meet these main criteria:

The project must be constructible with locally-sourced materials and labor.
There must be a realistic method of funding the construction of the project after the design is complete.

Does the EIA Bridge Program have volunteer opportunities outside University Chapters?

The EIA Bridge Program’s volunteer opportunities come in two main forms: Ambassadors and Bridge Corps. Ambassadors are our main volunteer corps, who support University Chapters in their work throughout the year - serving as liaisons between the EIA Bridge Program staff and the University Chapters. If you are interested in being an Ambassador, fill out this survey and we will be in touch.

Bridge Corps are qualified engineering professionals who are dedicated to University Chapters and enthusiastic about EIA’s mission. Bridge Corps members support University Chapters both on-campus and in the field. All University Chapters are required to have at least one Bridge Corps member for their project, and often projects will have multiple Bridge Corps members to split responsibilities. You can learn more about Bridge Corps here, and if you are interested in joining the Bridge Corps Program you can fill out our Interest Survey.

Additionally, we also welcome inquiries from volunteers with specific skillsets who can contribute to our programs. Contact us to see how you can take action: ethan.gingerich@engineersinaction.org.

Does the EIA Bridge Program have internship opportunities?

Our primary stipend volunteer opportunity is our Field Intern Program. Field Interns are immersed in a culture, work on a variety of projects, and gain valuable professional experience. Field positions require a minimum 6-month commitment in the country of application, 1-year preferred.

Not interested in field work? We'd love to chat about how you could help out with our headquarters work!