Founded in 1852 with 12 members, the Society was created to disseminate information among engineerswho were building the roads, canals, bridges and railroads of a young nation. Today, ASCE has more than 110,000 members, including some 10,000 of whom are international members residing outside the United States in 135 countries.
Membership is held by individual professional engineers rather than companies or organizations.
The objective of ASCE is to enhance the welfare of mankind through the advancement of the science and profession of engineering. In response to these goals, more than 5,000 members voluntarily serve nearly different technical, administrative and coordinating committees. Another 300 participate on 36 other professional committees. Including the activities of sections, student chapters and clubs, as well as the national and local committees, ASCE groups average 100 meetings throughout the country every day. Educational activities extend to college campuses through 222 Student Chapters and 25 Clubs.