Resource:How to get a Grand Challenge Scholars Program at your school

What is the Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP?)

The GCSP is a program that has been developed by professional engineers and has been endorsed by the National Academy of Engineering. The program is based around the 14 Grand Challenges in the 21st century that have been given to modern engineers (make solar energy economical, enhance virtual reality, reverse-engineer the brain, engineer better medicines, advance health informatics, restore and improve urban infrastructure, provide access to clean water, provide energy from fusion, manage the nitrogen cycle, prevent nuclear terror, develop carbon sequestration methods, engineer the tools of scientific discovery, secure cyber space, manage the nitrogen cycle, and advance personal learning). The scholars program is a combined curricular and extra-curricular experience with five key components: Research/project based learning, interdisciplinary curriculum, entrepreneurship, global awareness, and service learning. 

For a school to obtain a GCSP they must submit a proposal outlining how the program will be achieved at their school. Once the document is completed it should be sent to Dr. Jenna Carpenter (carpenter@cambell.edu) if a U.S. school or to Dr. Christina White (christina@smart.mit.edu) if outside of the US. 

Components of the Proposal

Selection of the Scholars

Every school creates their own application process to their program. However, there are often essay questions, letters of recommendation, and interviews associated with the selection process. It is encouraged that the students are in good academic standing, committed to the Grand Challenges, and be aware of global issues.

GSCP Activities

This is where the co-curricular and interdisciplinary experience is shown (i.e. the five components presented above).

Research/ Project Based Learning

The research component is to ensure that every scholar will have had some experience working with the Grand Challenges before they even graduate. This aspect of the program can be fulfilled by undergraduate research, a senior thesis, design project, or a Grand Challenge based internship.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum

A Grand Challenge Scholar should have exposure to more than just an engineering curriculum to truly be able to have a global perspective. This could mean allowing engineers to take courses around social responsibility, social justice, human centered design, all in order to create a bridge between an engineering and non-engineering curriculum. 

Entrepreneurship

The GCSP believes it is important for scholars to have experience with innovation and real-world experience. The program encourages students to take formal courses on marketing, law, and entrepreneurship. However, other opportunities to experience entrepreneurship can stem from innovation competitions, business pitch competitions, and even participating in VentureWell's University Innovation Fellows Program.

Global Dimension

Considering the GCSP is directly related to the Grand Challenges it would make sense that understanding global challenges would require a global perspective.  Of course not every scholar has the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program, abroad internship, international experience, or international service projects, so have other alternatives available. Scholars could also have formal courses offered based around other cultures or perspectives pr programs and projects that emphasize the global importance.

Service Learning

To understand the Grand Challenges it is important for students to realize that working on any of the challenges is a selfless experience. Scholars should have an understanding of ethics as well as have experience aiding others. Service learning can be achieved in many situations from STEM outreach programs, to Engineers without Borders projects, and even experiences such as being a part of Residence life on campus or peer mentors.

Assessment

It is up to each institution that is applying for a scholars program on how to assess their scholars. Some institutions ask their scholars to prepare a presentation on what they have learned, others an essay, and still other will ask for a portfolio of everything they have done that will properly prepare them to take on the Grand Challenges.

Submitting the Proposal

To properly submit the GCSP proposal it is important for it to include some features. A cover page should lead the proposal with the vital information of the school and those involved in the proposal's creation. A vision should follow, explaining why an institution should have a GCSP, how it will be funded, and further information such as the five key components of the program. A section explaining the selection and assessment of the scholars should also be included, along with a way to track it and advise the scholars along their path.

Further Information

The Grand Challenge Scholars Program provides a more detailed "How to" guideline available on their website: http://engineeringchallenges.org/GrandChallengeScholarsProgram/14741.aspx

More information about the GCSP can be found at: http://engineeringchallenges.org/GrandChallengeScholarsProgram.aspx

More information on the Grand Challenges can be found at: http://engineeringchallenges.org/