Hands-on Experience for UNH Undergrads
Gain real-world experience in prototyping, manufacturing, and human services by working on projects that combine technical innovation with community impact. Make connections and turn classroom knowledge into real-world impact.
Club Purpose
The OEA aims to inspire future engineers and health & human services professionals with a strong sense of social responsibility through hands-on, philanthropic work. Members will collaborate with Northeast Passage, a nonprofit adaptive sports organization, to design and build custom equipment for children and adults with disabilities. Projects will be guided by mentors and shaped by the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities, ensuring meaningful, inclusive design. This club is open to all UNH students but is particularly beneficial to CEPS students interested in prototyping and design, and CHHS students seeking experience in adaptive health, human services, and community engagement.
Club Meetings
Meetings will occur biweekly at the Olson Center and Northeast Passage, between the 8 am to 5 pm business hours, at a time agreed on by the club members and mentors.
Club members and leadership must apply to be a UNH-recognized student organization.
Who Should Join?
The OEA is open to all UNH undergraduate students, regardless of major. Whether you're passionate about inclusive design, creating accessible experiences for all, or just want to build something meaningful - there's a place for you here.
That said, students in the following majors may find a particularly strong connection between their coursework and the work done in OEA:
Adapted Physical
Education
Mechanical Engineering
Exercise Science
Occupational Therapy
Assistive Technology
Computer Science
Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology
Ocean Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Disability Studies
(All CHHS and CEPS majors)
What is the Olson Center?
The John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center is a UNH hub for hands-on learning, innovation, and collaboration in engineering and manufacturing. Equipped with industry grade tools like CNC machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters, the center gives students direct access to the technologies shaping the future of manufacturing.
More than just a makerspace, the Olson Center connects students with faculty, industry partners, and real-world projects that enhance classroom learning. It supports student-led initiatives like the Olson Engineering Alliance (OEA), where members apply skills gained in the classroom to real-world projects.
What is Northeast Passage?
Northeast Passage is a UNH-based nonprofit that creates adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities, giving children and adults the chance to stay active, build independence, and connect with their community. They partner with students and professionals to design innovative, inclusive solutions that make these experiences possible.
Use of Olson Center Space and Equipment
Due to the busy nature of the center, the club is expected to honor the agreed-upon club meeting times between 8 am and 5 pm. After hours work will not be permitted.
Training and machine time use must be scheduled in advance with an Olson Center staff member at their convenience, not the club members.
Olson Center grant and industry projects take priority over club member projects.
Club members will represent the center at important government and other high-level events located at the Olson Center when asked and class schedules align.
OEA funds are expected to cover the cost of machine operation time (machine run time, not set-up time). UNH granted funds can be obtained by registering as a club.
Leadership
President
- Conduct meetings, coordinate elections
- Contact Olson Center advisors and mentors for planned machine training and club meeting times
Vice President
- Keep track of supplies needed for projects, submit them to purchaser
Secretary
- Maintain records of attendance at every meeting, and dates/times of meetings at Olson Center
Treasurer
- Maintain records of all PCard and other financial transactions
- Check accuracy of all bills and invoices
- Collect dues from membership
Fundraising Coordinator
- Organize fundraising efforts per UNH Student Org standards
- Keep track of all donations
Membership
Members must abide by the club constitution guidelines.
To be considered an active member, attendance is required a minimum of once a month.
Membership in OEA may not be denied on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex including pregnancy, childbirth (and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, partnership status, disability, citizenship, or any other legally prohibited basis in accordance with federal, state and city laws.
