Grand Challenges Scholars Program at NC State

Preparing a Generation to Tackle the Grand Challenges

Color photo of smiling students in classroom.

The Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) is based on the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) grand challenges and is a multi-year, research-based program that is designed to prepare students to be 21st-century problem solvers.

At NC State Engineering, the GCSP includes a multitude of unique experiences that combine coursework, research, extracurricular activities, internships, study abroad, and volunteer opportunities.

The NC State Engineering GCSP leverages our engineering curriculum and programs, institutes and centers, as well as diverse experiences supported throughout and beyond our campus. These combined opportunities ensure that scholars achieve a rich portfolio centered upon a Grand Challenge that builds five Core Competencies.

The students’ Area of Research focuses on one or more of the four pillars of the Grand Challenges:

Security
Joy of Living
Sustainability
Health

Learn more and apply now

14 Grand Challenges

With input from people around the world, an international group of leading technological thinkers were asked to identify the Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st century.

Solving Grand Challenges Through a New Perspective

Danielle Dantzler, a sophomore majoring in biological engineering, is determined to tackle the grand challenge of engineering better medicine.

Student team places second at Global Grand Challenges Summit

What do access to clean water, better fertilizer and premium coffee beans have in common? It’s all part of engineering in an unpredictable world.

A Scholar Visits the White House

Michaela Rikard met President Obama to promote STEM education and research. Michaela graduated from the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering and is an alumna of NC State’s Grand Challenges Scholars Program.

Pioneering the Program

Start small and think big. Meet the first undergraduates to join the program and bring the movement of the Grand Challenge Scholars to NC State.

Students Meet Their Grand Challenge

These four scholars may share the same engineering major and the same drive to innovate. However, they have taken their own approach toward solving problems. Hear their testimonies and motivations to tackle the Grand Challenges.

Visit go.ncsu.edu/gcsp