The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is the oldest
national engineering society in the United States. Founded in
1852 with 12 members, the Society was created to disseminate
information among engineers who were building the roads, canals,
bridges and railroads of a young nation.
Today, ASCE has more than 110,000 members, including some 10,000
of whom are international members residing outside the United
States in 135 countries. Membership is held by individual
professional engineers rather than companies or organizations.
The members are organized geographically into 21 regional
councils, 83 sections, 143 branches and 249 student chapters and
clubs.
The objective of ASCE is to enhance the welfare of mankind
through the advancement of the science and profession of
engineering. In response to these goals, more than 5,000 members
voluntarily serve on many different technical, administrative and
coordinating committees. Another 300 participate on 36 other
professional committees. Including the activities of sections,
student chapters and clubs, as well as national and local
committees, ASCE groups average 100 meetings throughout the
country every day.
Educational activities extend to college campuses through 222
Student Chapters and 25 Clubs. These groups sponsor meetings,
regional conferences, student competitions, social events and
other activities to help future engineers become better prepared
for their careers. Numerous scholarships and awards are made
available for deserving students of civil engineering.
Additionally, career guidance is conducted to encourage primary
and secondary students to study civil engineering through the
following: summer institutes held on college campuses, films and
videotapes, literature and lectures.
The Society is governed by a 28-member Board of Direction. The
Board, which includes ASCE officers and representatives elected
by the membership, establishes all policy for the organization.
The policies are implemented by a staff of 180, the vast majority
of whom work at ASCE World Headquarters located in Reston,
Virginia with offices also housed in the United Engineering
Center in New York City, NY.
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Last Modified: March 8, 2000