Overview
Asheville and Western North Carolina are known for their natural beauty, vibrant Appalachian culture, and strong traditions of community and environmental stewardship. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region offers both inspiration and complexity: rapid growth and social change intersect with long-standing challenges around equity, land use, and climate resilience.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought historic flooding and devastation to this area. Rivers surged to record levels, Asheville’s main water system was severely damaged, power and communications systems failed, and landslides and washouts cut off roads and neighborhoods. Nearly every household across Western North Carolina was affected in some way. The storm reshaped daily life and infrastructure, and communities are still in the process of recovery — a context that makes engagement here both urgent and deeply meaningful.
Students will be working with A Bridge Home, an organization founded in the Fall of 2024 in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devasted parts of Western North Carolina. A Bridge Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to rebuilding and strengthening communities impacted by natural disasters. It provides support and essential resources to restore critical infrastructure, fostering stability and resilience where it’s needed most.
A Bridge Home is working with communities to tackle the immense challenges of rebuilding an unprecedented number of private bridges, roads, and essential infrastructure to allow community members to access their homes. With a focus on treating Hurricane Helene survivors with dignity, students will work to help families safely regain access to their homes by coordinating and rebuilding vital infrastructure.
Community Partnerships
Students in this program will work in collaboration with the staff of A Bridge Home, local contractors, and community members to build bridges and access to residences damaged by Hurricane Helene.
The student designs will be conducted during the spring semester (as part of EGR190 (Engineering Design in Community Context) or an independent study project). All accepted DukeEngage team members will be expected to participate in the design process (with guidance from Dr. Schaad).
Program Requirements
Coursework: The design for the projects will be developed by students enrolled in the spring course EGR190 (Engineering Design in Community Context). Enrollment in the class is recommended, but not required, to be part of the DukeEngage program during the summer of 2026. Students not enrolled in the class may enroll in a half-credit (group) independent study where the team will collaborate in the design effort overseen by Dr. Schaad.
Personal Qualities: A willingness to work hard and have a positive attitude.
Logistics
Housing, meals, and transportation: Students will live in dormitory style housing (either at UNC-Asheville or Mars Hill University) and will be able to actively participate in the local community of Western North Carolina. Access to healthcare, cultural experiences, food, etc. in the community is typical of other areas in the US.
Local safety, security, and cultural norms: If you have special needs related to health, culture, disability, or religious practices, please contact the program director(s) or the DukeEngage office to discuss whether your needs can be accommodated in this program.
For guidance on how race, religion, sexual/gender identity, ability, or other aspects of identity might impact your travels, we suggest exploring the Diversity, Identity and Global Travel section of the DukeEngage website.
Academic Connections
This program is open to all and might especially appeal to students who want to fulfill requirements associated with the Global Development Engineering Certificate.
DukeEngage cannot guarantee that any program will occur. Dates and program details are subject to change, and programs may be cancelled for various reasons, including geopolitical or public health issues.
