In a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama in March of 2015, the College of Engineering at NC State joined 66 other engineering universities across the nation in a shared commitment to educate 10,000 new engineers focused on the Grand Challenges for Engineering. NC State is dedicated to graduating 20 students each year with this special focus.
The Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) at NC State is a combined curricular and extracurricular program inspired by the National Academy of Engineering. The program is designed as a call to action that prepares students to devise societal solutions. There are five Core Competencies that serve as the program’s framework for engaging GC Scholars in problem-solving for the Grand Challenges.
Membership in the National Academy of Engineering recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education and is considered one of the highest honors that an engineer or scientist can receive.
Current Scholars Demographics (Updated 12/05/2023)
Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP)
Inspired by the Grand Challenges for Engineering announced in 2008 and motivated to supplement American engineering education, the NAE endorsed the founding of the Grand Challenges Scholars Program in 2009. The GCSP at each college, university, and school operates independently and is responsible for its own program. The NAE serves a facilitator within the network of GCSP chapters across the nation by providing aid to nascent programs as well as opportunities for programs to convene and collaborate.