WSU Engineering Students Complete Awning Project for Moscow Disability Action Center

Washington State University’s Engineers in Action club has successfully installed an awning at the Disability Action Center in Moscow, Idaho, enhancing accessibility and providing students with hands-on engineering experience. The project, completed in February 2026, represents a collaborative effort between university students, local professionals, and community organizers.

Project Background and Community Partnership

The awning initiative began as a partnership between WSU’s Engineers in Action student chapter and the Disability Action Center Northwest, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities in the Moscow-Pullman region. According to project lead Haley Boileau, the team connected with center representatives Vicki and Mark Leeper, who expressed strong support for bringing the project to fruition.

The installation took place on February 16, 2026, at the center’s location on 505 N Main Street in downtown Moscow. Work commenced at 10:00 a.m., with students coordinating closely with facility staff to minimize disruption to ongoing services.

Engineering Process and Technical Execution

Students adapted the awning design from a mechanical engineering capstone project, transforming original schematics into civil engineering plans suitable for construction. Haley Boileau explained that the team utilized classroom-acquired skills to convert mechanical drawings into detailed 3D models and fabrication plans.

Before construction began, the plans underwent professional review and approval. Club mentor Jesse Weaver, a licensed engineer, stamped the structural designs, which were subsequently approved by the City of Moscow’s building department.

Construction and Installation Details

For fabrication, the student team partnered with Mundy’s Welding, a local Moscow contractor, to weld the awning’s steel components. The construction process involved assembling frame sections and installing foundational footings directly into the ground at the site.

With contractor support, the full installation was completed in approximately five hours. Connor Reschke, president of Engineers in Action, emphasized the educational value of the fieldwork, noting that the project allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting while contributing meaningfully to the community.

Community Impact and Feedback

Following installation, Christine Collins, an independent living advocate at the Disability Action Center, praised the structure’s durability and utility. She described the awning as a “sturdy and good addition” to the facility, highlighting its practical benefits for visitors and staff.

The project exemplifies the club’s mission to combine technical service with community engagement. As Boileau noted, the team “fell in love with the project” upon learning of the center’s needs, appreciating the opportunity to merge academic learning with tangible social impact.

Broader Context of Student-Led Service Projects

This awning installation reflects a growing trend of engineering schools integrating service learning into curricula. By partnering with local nonprofits, students gain experience in project management, client communication, and adaptive problem-solving—skills that complement traditional technical training.

The Disability Action Center Northwest continues to provide essential advocacy, independent living support, and resource navigation for people with disabilities across northern Idaho and eastern Washington. Infrastructure improvements like the new awning help ensure their facilities remain accessible and welcoming to all community members.

As of April 21, 2026, the awning remains in place, serving as both a functional upgrade to the center’s exterior and a lasting example of university-community collaboration in action.