What is the GCSP?

The Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) provides undergraduate students with curricular and co-curricular activities while being mentored by faculty and staff. The program focuses on the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering. The National Academy of Engineering identified 14 Grand Challenges and suggests that they cover four cross-cutting themes: SUSTAINABILITY, HEALTH, SECURITY, and JOY OF LIVING. USU’s GCSP program helps prepare students to become more socially conscious, innovative, and engaged in the field of engineering. The GCSP provides activities for students to expand their learning experience beyond traditional coursework. GC Scholars have access to a program that equips them with the skills needed to address important grand challenges.

Program History

In 2008, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) identified 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century. The Grand Challenges serve as a focal point for society's attention to opportunities and challenges affecting our quality of life. To prepare students to solve the grand challenges facing society, the NAE developed the Grand Challenges Scholars Program.

Impact for Students who Participate in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program

students impact

Grand Challenges Scholars Program participants are provided experiences and curricular pathways to bridge disciplines and engage students across domains of knowledge and practice. Employers want engineering student graduates with more than technical skills. They want students with a wide breath of experiences outside of engineering to become the future leaders in the engineering profession. The GCSP provides participants this ability through the five competencies required as part of the program. This can impact and enhance career opportunities for GCSP graduates.

Why Participate in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program

The College of Engineering at USU recognizes the changing needs of the engineering profession. Students who participate in the GCSP at USU are able to leverage many of the college’s existing programs and activities to build their GC Scholar portfolio.

Young scholars working with faculty

This program helps prepare students to become more socially conscious, innovative, and engaged in the field of engineering. The GCSP participants:

  1. Have an opportunity for activities to expand their learning experience beyond traditional coursework.
  2. Is led by faculty in the College of Engineering, and is well-aligned with the strategic direction of the university and College of Engineering.
  3. Have access to a program to equip them with the skills needed to address important grand challenges.

GCSP is Beyond the Regular Engineering Program

Participants in the GCSP are expected and required to go beyond the regular engineering coursework. Over the three years of the program, students take additional steps, through hard work, to accomplish the requirements of the program.

GCSP Scholarships and Recognition

The Grand Challenges Scholars Program participants are eligible to receive a scholarship of $750 per year.

GCSP scholarship and recognitions

In addition to scholarships, GCSP participants that complete the three-year program will:

  1. Receive a recognition letter from the National Academy of Engineering (NAE)
  2. Receive a digital badge
  3. Re recognized at an annual GCSP Celebration held at the end of each spring semester
  4. Receive a medal and be recognized in the USU Commencement as being a Grand Challenge Scholar