Club Spotlight: American Society of Civil Engineers

By Roxette Primero

Dreaming of a career in civil engineering where you’ll design sustainable cities, build essential infrastructure, and lead impactful projects? If you’re looking for a club that brings these ambitions to life, meet the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at USC. In this Club Spotlight, I’ll dive into everything ASCE offers. Get ready for the inside scoop on how ASCE can launch your journey into civil engineering!


What is ASCE?
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a professional organization founded in 1852, dedicated to advancing the science and practice of civil engineering. With members across the globe, ASCE provides resources, networking opportunities, and support for engineers at all stages of their careers, from students to seasoned professionals. It plays a key role in setting industry standards, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for policies that shape public infrastructure.


The American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter at USC (USC ASCE) is a dynamic, student-run organization dedicated to enriching the lives of civil and environmental engineering students. Through engaging social events, hands-on engineering competitions, community service, and networking opportunities with industry leaders, USC ASCE bridges the gap between academic learning and the professional world. 

Established in 1924, USC ASCE is one of the oldest ASCE student chapters in the nation and fosters a supportive, collaborative environment where students can deepen their engineering knowledge and connect with like-minded peers. 

With regular meetings, events, and direct access to professional mentors, USC ASCE empowers students to build practical skills and professional relationships that last a lifetime.Each year, members participate in the Pacific Southwest Symposium (PSWS), competing against other California universities in technical and non-technical engineering challenges, from building concrete canoes to designing steel bridges.

Who can apply?
Everyone with an interest in civil or environmental engineering is welcome to join USC ASCE! Whether you’re passionate about designing sustainable infrastructure, curious about hands-on engineering projects, or simply looking to explore a new field, USC ASCE has something for you. Membership is open to all USC students, and no prior experience is required. To join, simply sign up as a national ASCE Student Member (which is free!) and complete the USC ASCE membership form. From there, you'll gain access to all club activities, design teams, competitions, and exclusive industry events.

WHAT’S THE CLUB LIKE?
USC ASCE is a super welcoming and close-knit group where people share a genuine passion for civil and environmental engineering. The vibe is laid-back and fun, but everyone knows how to get down to business when it’s time for competitions like the Pacific Southwest Symposium (PSWS). Between all the design projects and big events, members have plenty of chances to connect, not only with each other but also with ASCE student chapters at other local schools like UCLA, Cal State LA, and Cal Poly Pomona. They regularly team up for social gatherings, hikes, picnics, and other hangouts that build a sense of community across campuses.

One of the highlights of USC ASCE’s culture is the Big/Little Program, where upperclassmen mentor new members, helping them settle into college life and navigate the world of civil engineering. This mix of hands-on projects, real-world skills, and friendships makes USC ASCE more than just a club, it’s a supportive space to learn, grow, and make the most of your college experience.

WHY ASCE?
Let us hear from some of ASCE amazing members. 

“I’ve been a part of ASCE since I was a freshman and I’ve never met such a group of driven

and fun people on campus that have the same passions I do. We just engineer the

impossible and it’s always an action-packed day with ASCE.”

• Kyle Revale, B.S. Civil Engineering (Construction Management) C.O. 2025

“I have a passion for saving the environment and ASCE has taught me so much about

sustaining our natural world. From there, I joined the Environmental Design Team and it’s

been great! I get to apply what I learned in my classes towards this team and it has been so

rewarding.”

• Natalie Miller, B.S. Civil Engineering (Environmental) C.O. 2026
  

“ASCE has connected me to so many awesome engineers. They allowed me to breach into

the industry and learn more about the professional experience. Everyone is also just so

welcoming and willing to help, and I’m super appreciative of that.”

• Jonathan Huang, B.S. Civil Engineering (Structural) C.O. 2025

Conclusion

Although I’m a PR major with absolutely no engineering background, I’ve seen firsthand just how passionate and fun this club really is. If you’re looking to be part of something where you can build incredible things (like a concrete canoe, yes, really!), connect with like-minded students, and gain real-world experience, then ASCE is the place for you. It’s not just about engineering—it’s about creating lasting memories and making an impact. So, whether you're ready to design the next big project or just want to see what all the hype is about, I highly recommend you join. You won’t regret it!

LINKS

• Website: https://uscasce.com/ 

• Discord: https://discord.gg/8Fyd266p 

• Instagram: @usc_asce