Grand Challenge
Scholars Program
Nancy M. Amato
Spring 2016
In 2008, the NAE
identified 14 Grand
Challenges in
Engineering for the 21st
Century. They are a call
to action and serve as a
focal point for society’s
attention to opportunities
and challenges affecting
our quality of life.
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Advance Personalized Learning
Make Solar Energy Economical
Enhance Virtual Reality
Reverse-Engineer the Brain
Engineer Better Medicines
Advance Health Informatics
Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
Secure Cyberspace
Provide Access to Clean Water
Provide Energy from Fusion
Prevent Nuclear Terror
Manage the Nitrogen Cycle
Develop Carbon Sequestration Methods
Engineer the Tools for Scientific Discovery
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The NAE Grand Challenge
Scholars Program (GCSP)
• A national program run by the NAE
- Each program includes curricular and extra-curricular
activities designed to give students skills and experiences
in five required areas
• research related to a Grand Challenge, multidisciplinary
experience, global dimension, entrepreneurship, service
learning
- Institutions propose programs that are reviewed &
approved by the NAE GCSP Steering Committee
- Students who successfully complete program are
recognized by NAE (on GCSP website, get letter from
NAE Pres, etc.)
• The Texas A&M Program was approved in December 2015
and is being launched this spring!
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Vision
The Texas A&M Grand Challenge Scholars
Program is a three-year program designed
to attract, retain and graduate future
engineering world leaders in academe,
government and industry
Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Requirements
Five Requirements
• Research
• Interdisciplinary
• Entrepreneurship
• Global dimension
• Service learning
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Research
• Research project spanning
2-4 semesters (Jr & Sr year)
• GC Faculty Mentor
• GC Thesis
- Linked with Texas A&M
undergraduate research
scholars program
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Interdisciplinary
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GC Thesis work
AggiE Challenge
Multidisciplinary coursework
Activities, e.g., Engineers
without Borders projects
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Entrepreneurship
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GC Thesis Work
Aggies Invent
Startup Aggieland
TAMUHack
Coursework, e.g., with Mays College of Business
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Global Experience
• GC Thesis work
• Engineering international certificate, or other
formal coursework
• Study Abroad, TAMU Qatar Campus
• Engineers without Borders
• Global industry internships
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Service Learning
• GC Thesis work
• Engineering Projects in
Community Service (EPICS)
• The Big Event – significant
leadership role
• Tutoring and peer teaching
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Texas A&M GGCS Program
Summary of Five Components
• Deep: equivalent of 9+ credit hours (3 courses)
• Medium: equivalent of 5-8 credit hours (two courses)
• Exposure: equivalent of 3-4 credit hours (one course)
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Year One (Sophomore Year)
• Plan GCSP curriculum with
faculty mentor
• Identify GC Thesis topic and
GC Faculty Mentor
• Identify GC-related activities
in five areas, and linkages
between them
• Select international program
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Year Two (Junior Year)
• Actively engage in research
for GCSP thesis
• Identify and initiate
entrepreneurship activity
• Complete service
requirement
• Take on leadership roles in
GCSP activities and mentor
1st year GC Scholars
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Year Three (Senior Year)
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Complete research &
thesis
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present at annual
Texas A&M GC
Symposium, and
regional or national
event
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Complete remaining
GCSP requirements
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Continue leadership role
in GCSP activities and
Mentor 1st and 2nd year
GC Scholars
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Implementation
• Program Requirements
- GC Scholars must maintain 3.25 GPA
- Continuous progress in five areas
- Participation in GCSP activities and
annual Spring GC Symposium at Texas
A&M
- Semesterly meeting with GCSP Director
- Annual report & evaluation by GC
Faculty Mentor and GCSP Director
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Grand Challenge Scholar Program
Application Process
• Eligibility
- Sophomore majoring in engineering
- 3.25 GPA
• Application
- On-line Application including essay, demonstrated
commitment to the Grand Challenges, letter of
reference
- http://apply2.tamu.edu/apps/GCSP/
- Applications open: February 1
- Applications Due: February 24
- Decisions Announced: March 1
• Questions to gcsp@tamu.edu
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