This article is the first of a two-part series about Engineering for All (EfA), a $1.7M National Science Foundation-funded project, which introduces middle school students to engineering, not only as a career path, but as an endeavor with potential for doing social good. Engineering for All opens students' eyes to the role engineers play in addressing significant global and community-based issues and concerns, and instills the confidence that, with continued STEM study, students can make a difference in the world. Hofstra University and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) are leading the Project. This article focuses on the EfA conceptual design. The subsequent article will focus on classroom implementation.