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Learning Beyond Class

With more than 100 student clubs and Instructionally Related Activities, College of Engineering students can build skills, take on leadership roles and connect with others through shared interests.

Student Clubs

More Than 58 Engineering Clubs

The College of Engineering is home to a wide variety of student clubs, many of which are supported by the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP). These organizations include the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), as well as discipline-specific teams such as Cal Poly Racing and PolySat.

Join a Student Club

Aerospace Engineering professor Paulo Iscold and students at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport with the university’s plane.

More ways to get involved

What is an IRA?

Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) are out-of-class experiences connected to academic programs. They give students added opportunities to apply what they learn through team projects, competition and faculty-guided work.

Explore IRAs

Students and volunteers decorate the Cal Poly Universities Rose Float

Ways to Get Involved

Students can join clubs and IRAs that match their interests, connect with their major or introduce them to new skills, industries and communities.

Biomedical engineering majors Oyundari Altansukh and Samantha Campbell with mechanical engineering students Kurtis Barth and Caroline Swanson have amputee Karen Aydelott try out a prototype of a surfing prosthetic they created as part of a team project.

Project Teams

Project-based teams give students the chance to design, build and compete while working closely with peers on shared goals.

Students in Larry Sun and Dan Castro’s ME 456 HVAC Air and Water Distribution System Design class tour the Cal poly Central Plant.

Professional Organizations

Professional clubs help students build community, explore career paths and connect with others in their field.

Learning Continues After Class

Build Experience Through Involvement

Clubs and IRAs give students room to grow outside the classroom. Through leadership, collaboration and applied work, they can deepen their learning and take on new challenges.

Find your fit

students riding bikes

Student Club Resources

Support for Club Leaders and Members

Student clubs receive faculty guidance and support from their departments and the college.