Since 2005, Fort Lewis College students have been tackling critical engineering challenges at the forefront of humanitarian development. Each year, around fifty students from across campus engage in the Village Aid Project, with two-thirds from the engineering department and one-third from various other disciplines. Of these, thirty students travel annually to remote, underdeveloped communities, where they apply their skills to provide essential services like clean water and solar energy.
Guided by professors, professionals, and mentors, these students lead every phase of VAP projects. They design systems and gain deep insights into the social, economic, and environmental impacts of their work. This hands-on experience not only hones their creativity and skills but also fosters responsible global citizenship. By participating in the Village Aid Project, students make a tangible difference while preparing for impactful careers.
Our philosophy
We commit to working with each community for five years, supporting system troubleshooting and implementing sustainability plans. These plans empower communities to address their needs and manage their systems long-term. Sustainable projects are challenging, and we continually refine our approach within the framework of these guiding principles:
- Participatory development: A water system cannot be simply given to a community with the expectation it will last. We work with communities to help them develop a system they take ownership of, providing decision-making power, labor, and ongoing management. We support this process with technical and financial assistance.
- Holistic development: Addressing the broader needs of the community—not just water but also sanitation, health, education, and the economy.
- Capacity building: Enhancing a community’s ability to understand, finance, implement, manage, maintain, and utilize a system.
- Appropriate technology: Identifying technical solutions that match a community's capacity to implement, use, and maintain a system.
- Socio-cultural compatibility: Considering the influence of traditions, beliefs, experiences, and community structures on a system.
Our volunteers address critical energy needs and infrastructure challenges from Ecudao to Zambia. As a Native American-serving, non-tribal institution, FLC uniquely positions VAP to support Indigenous communities in the American Southwest.
We raise all the funds to pay for the program costs, which are about $20,000 for each village. VAP is an all-volunteer organization with less than 1% in overhead costs. Please consider supporting our meaningful work!
