Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) High
What is EPICS High?
Real problems. Real communities. Real impact.
Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) High is an engineering, service learning program that engages Arizona high school students in working with stakeholders in their communities to develop solutions to real-world problems. To identify and address these problems, EPICS High teams work closely with their schools or not-for-profit agencies.
EPICS High promotes an interdisciplinary approach, utilizing the creativity and expertise of students that are already interested in STEM fields, as well as students outside of engineering, to develop and implement solutions with a real impact. In doing so, students not only provide a needed philanthropic service, they also hone their skills as engineers and entrepreneurs. The EPICS High program also engages students to instill in them the importance of service and to increase the pipeline of students interested in STEM pathways. The program has proven to be an engagement tool for developing a life-long appreciation for STEM and service learning.
The EPICS High program is a proven engagement tool for developing a life-long appreciation for STEM, engineering, and service-learning in grades 9-12 students.
Bring EPICS High to your Arizona High school?
To learn more about the fall 2026- spring 2027 school year
INTERESTED? [email protected] 480-965-2272
EPICS High Showcase
Where student work meets real recognition
Each spring, EPICS High teams present their completed community projects to a panel of ASU engineering students, faculty, and industry professionals. Judges evaluate not just the final solution, but the design process, community impact, and how teams responded to real feedback from their stakeholders along the way.
Top teams are recognized for Community Impact, Innovation, Outstanding Project, and the overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Epic EPICS High awards.
Student voices
What students say
EPICS is a chance to actually make a change in the community, and the responsibilities, impact, and learning potential extend far beyond the classroom.Now, I see myself in STEM. I see myself as an engineer. And I believe I can do anything I set my mind to.
We can make a difference in our community by coming up with ideas and solutions.In other classes, failure is a big deal. You do something wrong and get a bad grade and no opportunity to do it better. It feels like you can’t make mistakes in other spaces, whereas in engineering, failure is seen as progress.
Before EPICS High, I stayed quiet because I didn’t think my voice mattered. This program
changed that. Working on real projects with community partners made everything feel real and important, and even when things got difficult, we didn’t give up.
I also want to sincerely thank the EPICS High . Without your support, this experience wouldn’t exist. You are directly shaping students like me and helping us see that we can become engineers and problem-solvers who make a difference.
Thank you, EPICS High sponsors
These organizations make EPICS High possible for Arizona students.
