Empower Communities to Access Clean Water. Build Real Engineering Skills.
"Improving Access to Water and Sanitation Since 2008"
The Engineering Academy partners students and faculty with schools in Panama and Honduras to design and build Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH) stations that meet the needs of local schools. Students work alongside local engineers to assess the feasibility of the project, develop the design and then begin the construction, all during a 7-10 day program. Students are introduced to water analysis, soil testing, infiltration and percolation tests, as well as other engineering skills as they work hands-on in a local community.
The goal is for students to design and build resilient, sustainable, and culturally appropriate WASH systems at schools in rural communities in Panama and Honduras, integrating technical solutions with social, environmental, and energy approaches that promote the participation of communities and meet the needs of families and students while also developing essential engineering skills and knowledge that will serve them for years to come.
Beyond service, students immerse themselves in the local culture and landscape including cultural and enrichment activities that introduce students to local traditions, food, music and art. Whether organizing a Custom Date program for your school or joining an existing Summer Engineering Academy, our international team looks forward to welcoming you to the Engineering Academy!
Create your perfect program in Panama or Honduras
Each 7-10 day Engineering Academy is made up of a minimum of 10 students accompanied by a minimum of 2 complimentary faculty leaders.
Each program is designed to meet your goals and objectives, including customization itineraries, optional enrichment activity add-ons and specific learning goals. Custom Date Programs are perfect for a faculty looking to bring their students abroad on a more personalized experience.
Our amazing international team will work with you to build and implement the Engineering Academy that engages your students fully while making an impact abroad.
Sample Itinerary
| TIME | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 |
ARRIVAL DAY Airport Pick-Up, Transport to Cocle Province Lodging Facility (if arrival before 2pm), Transport to Panama City Lodging Facility (if after 2pm) |
BREAKFAST | BREAKFAST | BREAKFAST | BREAKFAST | BREAKFAST | DEPARTURE DAY OR ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY |
| 8:00 | Transport to Community | Transport to Community | Transport to Community | Transport to Community | Transport to Enrichment Activity | ||
| 9:00 | Management and conversion of units + Determination of demand and population (lifestyles, consumption habits, livelihoods). | Assessing the soil to help design a suitable wastewater system for each school | Hands-on work on WASH Contruction Projects | Hands-on work on WASH Contruction Projects | Enrichment Activities | ||
| 10:00 | |||||||
| 11:00 | |||||||
| 12:00 | LUNCH | LUNCH | LUNCH | LUNCH | LUNCH | ||
| 1:00 | Assessment of water sources and water quality. Students help evaluate local water supplies and test water quality to inform improvements in safe, reliable water access. | Infiltration and percolation tests to determine the appropriate wastewater treatment system (STAR) for the schools. | Hands-on work on WASH Contruction Projects | Participatory School (Charla) | Enrichment Activities | ||
| 2:00 | Transport to Lodging Facility - Free Time at the Homebase | ||||||
| 3:00 | Transport to Lodging Facility - Free Time at the Homebase | Transport to Lodging Facility - Free Time at the Homebase | Transport to Lodging Facility - Free Time at the Homebase | Cultural Activity | |||
| 4:00 | Cultural Activity | Cultural Activity | Cultural Activity | ||||
| 5:00 | |||||||
| 6:00 | DINNER | DINNER | DINNER | DINNER | DINNER | DINNER/CELEBRATORY DINNER | |
| 7:00 | Lodging Facility Rules, Security Debrief & Introduction to Panama (learning about the...) | First Group Reflection | Recreation Activity | Mid Week Group Reflection | Free Time | Final Reflections @ Hotel in Panama City | |
| 8:00 | Recreation Activity | ||||||
| 9:00 | |||||||
| 10:00 | Lights out in all common areas. Quiet time starts at 10:00 pm. Lights out at 11:00 pm. | ||||||
| Lodging Facility | Standard- Cocle | Standard- Cocle | Standard- Cocle | Standard- Cocle | Standard- Panama City | Standard- Panama City | |
Join a Summer Academy!
Every summer, we invite faculty and students to join an 8-day Summer Academy alongside a cohort of other high school students and faculty from across the country. These programs are open to individual students and chapters of 3+ students with one free faculty.
Panama
2027
June 6 – 13
June 13 – 20
June 20 – 27
Where We Work
Program Learning Outcomes
Learning Modules that can be Included in you Global Engineering Academy
| Module | Topics |
|---|---|
| Module 1 |
Units and Hydraulics ▼
|
| Module 2 |
Population and Demand ▼
|
| Module 3 |
Water Sources and Quality ▼
|
| Module 4 |
Pipeline Layout and Topography ▼
|
| Module 5 |
Storage Tanks ▼
|
| Module 6 |
Solar Photovoltaic Energy ▼
|
| Module 7 |
School Sanitation (STAR) ▼
|
| Module 8 |
Phased Budget ▼
|
Engineering Academy also includes:
Cultural Learning
In each partner country, students and faculty will be immersed in the local culture and will be introduced to some of the region’s most beautiful traditions.
For example, cooking a traditional Panamanian dish, Mola painting & temporary tattoos, as well as a visit to Casco Viejo, Panama City’s oldest neighborhood.
Enrichment Activities
All of our programs offer optional add-on enrichment activities (for Custom Programs).
In Panama, the options include an overnight trip to Soberania National Park excursion, a day trip to Monkey Island, or a Boat Tour of the Panama Canal.
Local Tourism
In addition to the enrichment activities, all groups will spend at least an afternoon or two enjoying local tourist sites as part of their program.
This might include a visit to Casco Viejo, Panama City’s oldest neighborhood or a trip to a local beach. Please confirm with your Program Succss Advisor exactly what will be included in your program.
Testimonials
“I will always lead high school programs with Global Brigades as it provides my students and I with an opportunity to do meaningful volunteer work that allows us to make genuine contact with the target community. It also allows for students to experience a country and its culture in an off the beaten path way. I love everything about their mission and the programs that they run and can’t wait for the next one!”
“This is our second program and I’m already planning trips three and four. Watching the growth and heart for service in my students is one of the most rewarding experiences. Every student went home with a more grateful attitude, sincere understanding of their daily blessings, and a true want to help others in need. I’ll be taking students on trips with Global Brigades for years to come.”
“Global Brigades is a program that all your students will remember for the rest of their lives. We keep going back to a new country, a new experience of the heart.”
“This was an invaluable experience for our students to not only learn about another culture but to realize the impact they can have on local communities.”