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The Engineering Projects in Community Service course, known as EPICS, is an international award-winning social entrepreneurship program. Student teams design, build and deploy systems to solve engineering-based problems for charities, schools and other not-for-profit organizations. Our students aren’t waiting to graduate to make a difference - they are tackling real-world problems today.
Why EPICS?
Community organizations need technical expertise. Engineering students need practical, hands-on experience before entering the workforce. EPICS was founded at Purdue University in 1995 to bring these two groups together in a mutually beneficial way. Now, Arizona State University is partnering with four prestigious universities to implement the program Vietnam in 2018:
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
- Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City
- Lac Hong University
- Danang University of Science and Technology
Through EPICS, multidisciplinary teams of undergraduate students use their technical skills and innovative ideas to design and implement solutions for not-for-profit organizations in our community and around the world.
When is EPICS?
Classes meet only 2 hours a week from March 18 – May 13, 2018. The end of May is the national EPICS Student Project Showcase Competition where three student projects will be awarded $500 USD.
Students, you can be an engineer NOW!
- It’s a great way to gain practical leadership experience while you learn.
- Develop your communication skills – writing, speaking, graphic design – that help you sell your ideas to others.
- Learn to budget and spend REAL MONEY! Receive up to $50 USD for materials to complete your project
- Completed student projects compete for a chance to win up to $500 USD
- Get valuable teaming skills and experience, and...If you are really good, win awards that light up your resume!
The Final EPICS Showcase Competition is used as a real-world vehicle to provide students with experience focusing their ideas, meeting deadlines, writing a business plan and presenting their ideas to the world. These skills prepare students for a competitive work environment.
Enrollment at your school is limited, and is open to all students of all disciplines. Sign up for EPICS today!
Organizations, EPICS benefits you too!
Non-profit organizations gain valuable help that might otherwise be impossible to afford, furthering your efforts without detracting from the mission. EPICS projects span the spectrum—finding solutions to challenges in human health care, energy, sustainability and more.
What is your part?
Students are given $50 USD funding for project materials and are also expected to develop networking and business skills by seeking additional funding sources. Partner organizations are not required to provide funding, but any contributions are beneficial.
At least twice a semester, community mentors from your organization will work with the team through meetings, phone calls and/or email to help advance the project.
Teams work on a semester basis. Depending on the scope of the project, completion make take a year or more.
The first group of EPICS students will work on projects from March - May 2018.
EPICS Course Schedule
January 22 - 27Identify faculty at each pilot school who will lead EPICS at their university
January 29 - Feb. 9Faculty work on recruiting students, creating syllabus, lesson plans and identifying student projects from local community partners. Collaborate with ASU and pilot school EPICS teams as needed.
February 9 - 28TET Break. ASU available for additional syllabus, lesson plan, project review as needed.
March 4 - 17ASU EPICS team reviews and approves proposed student projects, syllabus and lesson plans with faculty in Vietnam.
March 18 - 24First EPICS Vietnam classes meet. Students form teams and choose projects
March 18 - May 13EPICS classes meet 2 hours weekly. Students develop projects, faculty teaches and mentors students in development of projects. ASU EPICS team continues coaching faculty as needed.
June 15 Final EPICS Project Showcase in Ho Chi Minh City.