COVID-19 Update

As you know, universities and organizations across the country are working to address the significant public health challenges presented by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The safety and well-being of our entire community is a top priority here at the University of Minnesota and with Engineers Without Borders-USA UMN.  To limit the spread of COVID-19, the University of Minnesota has cancelled all in-person classes and on-campus events for the remainder of the semester. (For the most up-to-date information from the University of Minnesota, check the Safe Campus website.)

Please note the April 4 Engineers Without Borders-UMN Spring Reception has been cancelled. 

You may be wondering how COVID-19 could impact our planned travel to Guatemala and Ethiopia this spring. EWB-USA UMN wishes to protect both our student members and international community partners from the impacts of COVID-19. We follow the travel procedures and requirements of our parent organization, EWB-USA, as well as the University of Minnesota.

As of March 22, an international travel ban has been officially declared by the University during our dates of travel, and we will not be able to travel to implement our projects as scheduled in May. The team has developed contingency plans for alternate travel dates and project teams are meeting virtually on a regular basis to continue project progress. We will keep updating this page as new information is made available.

This is an unprecedented time in our world. One thing that remains unchanged is EWB-USA UMN’s commitment to our partner communities in Ethiopia and Guatemala, as well as our local partners at Lincoln International High School.

updated: 3/22