GRAND CHALLENGES SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Grand Challenges Scholars Program invites students to customize their academic and co-curricular experiences to address global challenges. Students will then compile their work into a portfolio they will submit prior to graduation.
This is a global program endorsed by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The University of Utah is proud to be one of over 100 participating universities worldwide.
The National Academy of Engineering identified 21st-century “Grand Challenges” for engineers that address critical social issues and require innovative technology to solve. These challenges are broken into four themes.
Health
Advance Health Informatics
Engineer Better Medicines
Reverse-engineer the brain
Joy of Living
Advance Personalized Learning
Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery
Enhance Virtual Reality
Security
Prevent Nuclear Terror
Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
Secure Cyberspace
Sustainability
Develop Carbon Sequestration Methods
Make Solar Energy Economical
Manage the Nitrogen Cycle
Provide Access to Clean Water
Provide Energy from Fusion
After choosing a theme, students will build a portfolio throughout their undergraduate experience encompassing the five Grand Challenges mindsets:
Talent/Research
Through mentored research and/or creative projects, students develop capacity to create while showcasing their knowledge and technical skills
Multidisciplinary
Students engage in areas outside of their home field of engineering to explore the interconnectedness of various domains and how an engineering mindset can be leveraged for multidisciplinary collaboration.
Viable Business/Entrepreneurship
Students acquire understanding of the importance of the business and entrepreneurial considerations needed to bring an idea to reality through coursework and/or co-curricular activities
Multiculturalism
Students immerse themselves in culture(s) other than their own to understand how differences and similarities can be leveraged when developing and implementing viable solutions specific to a group of people or on a global scale.
Social Consciousness
Through involvement in activities related to service and social causes, students learn about the concerns of others and how those concerns must translate over to engineering solutions.
This program spans your entire undergraduate journey. While it may seem like a daunting task, the program is designed to showcase the work, achievements, and service you are already accomplishing, while inspiring you to pursue additional enriching experiences.
Recognition
The GCSP is a prestigious national program that increases your understanding of engineering concepts and their application to the real world. It also sets you apart from other engineers in your field, and can help you excel in grad school. Additionally, you will:
- Receive a certificate of achievement from the Price College of Engineering
- Be recognized at the graduation ceremonies as a GCSP participant
- Receive recognition from the President of the National Academy of Engineering
- Have access to GCPS conferences where you can expand your network
Contact
Jordyn Butcherite
Price College of Engineering
Student Services Program Coordinator
Make Appointment
- Phone: 801-581-6683
- Email: Jordyn.butcherite@utah.edu
- Office: 1705 WEB