Grand Challenge Scholars Program
Graduate with the Professional Skills Industry Demand
One of the few programs of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, the University of Idaho Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) connects you to a vibrant, multidisciplinary community and expands your knowledge of issues facing our society.
Grand Challenge Scholars explore one or many of the following areas:
- Creative learning through hands-on research
- Cultural and global competency
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Social consciousness through service learning
- Multidisciplinary skill development and problem-solving
Students who complete the program receive the distinction of Grand Challenge Scholar endorsed by University of Idaho and the National Academy of Engineering.
Ready to Apply?
To get started in our program, register for ENGR 204-01 in MyUI for the fall semester. This special topics course is your introduction to the program and the easiest way to start building your portfolio.
Email GCSP Director Katie Schiffelbein to learn more about upcoming class opportunities.
Why Become a Grand Challenge Scholar?
Grand Challenge Scholars graduate with a well-rounded set of professional engineering skills demanded by industry.
Receive a renewable scholarship of $1,000 your first year!
Earn thousands of dollars in funding during the Grand Challenge Scholars Program Pitch Event! Every fall, GCSP students pitch their challenge projects to an assembly of judges made up of faculty, alumni and members of the U of I Academy of Engineers to secure funding for their ideas.
Become a mentee of a senior engineer in the U of I Academy of Engineers who is deeply connected to our legacy of global engineering impact. These leaders have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to improving our world through achievement, high ethical standards and innovation, and are excited to help GCSP students do the same.
Build a living document that captures the entirety of your engineering skillsets. E-portfolios are referenced during meetings with your mentor and are great resources for potential employers.
- Participate in creative learning through research, working alongside a nationally recognized faculty member. Students often co-author publications and participate in professional conferences!
- Participate in education abroad, national student exchange, and/or ASUI volunteer trips to expand your cultural competency
- Develop your skills by adding a multidisciplinary certificate to your resume
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE), at the request of the National Science Foundation (NSF), convened a committee of leading technical thinkers to identify the Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century.
Sustainability
- Make solar energy economical
- Provide energy from fusion
- Develop carbon sequestration methods
- Manage the nitrogen cycle
- Provide access to clean water