All engineering students will be invited to participate in the Grand Challenge Scholars program during freshman year, with full appointment occurring during the junior year. Each academic year will require the completion of tasks with increasing involvement in the program, culminating in the Senior Design Project and/or significant research experience in a Grand Challenge area.
GC scholars will be appointed by the Program Director upon the recommendation from a committee comprised of his/her academic advisor, Assistant Dean, and an at-large member (e.g., Western New England University faculty outside of the College of Engineering, a Western New England University staff member, industrial advisor, or alumni). This committee reviews and assesses the required materials, the portfolio, and present and future plans. The committee also suggests activities, projects, and internships and Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs) to promote the intramural and extramural activities in the GCSP.
A summary of the four-year participation and appointment process is as follows:
- Freshman year: All students are invited to explore possibilities of Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP). Students complete a brief application to inform their academic advisor and the program director of their interest.
- Sophomore year: Students apply for conditional appointment to GCSP with a second application and present their portfolio with evidence of their initial commitment.
- Junior year: Students apply for full appointment to GCSP with a proposal and academic plan for completing research and course requirements. They present their portfolio with evidence of commitment and work completed.
- Senior year: Students meet with their academic advisor and GCSP director and committee to assess their progress in order to assure that GCSP requirements are met and documented. The students present their portfolio with evidence of commitment and work completed.
After freshman year, conditional and full appointment into the Grand Challenge Scholars Program will be based on achieving and maintaining a minimum 2.70 cumulative GPA, satisfactory academic progress, selective service status as required, and full-time status. It is strongly suggested the student maintain a minimum 2.70 major and cumulative GPA. Additionally, the committee will review the student’s materials to determine that all requirements are met, and subsequently grant approval for continuation and completion of the GCS program.
Founding Members
- Duke University, Pratt College of Engineering
- The Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
- The University of Southern California, Viterbi College of Engineering
Members
- Arizona State University, Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering
- Lafayette College
- Louisiana Tech University, College of Engineering and Science
- North Carolina State University, College of Engineering
- St. Louis University, Parks College of Engineering, Aviation & Technology
- The University of Tennessee, College of Engineering
- Western New England University, College of Engineering
National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Grand Challenge Scholars Program
