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Become a GCSP Scholar

National Academy of Engineering

Grand Challenges Scholars Program

SCU Undergraduate Students: We want you to join the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, recognized by the National Academy of Engineering! Our scholars are preparing to solve global challenges by combining their academic and extracurricular experiences on campus. To be eligible to apply, students must be current undergraduate students in good academic standing.

Grand Challenge Scholar Timeline

GCSP Application Process

The first step in becoming a Grand Challenge Scholar is to prepare and complete the GCSP Application form. This form will ask you for your personal information including your name, SCU ID number, and current cumulative GPA (ok to use high school GPA or previous institution GPA if you have not yet completed a quarter at SCU). You should be familiar with the 14 Grand Challenges and be able to identify your top preferences. Additionally, you will need to complete 2 brief essays (100-200 words) on "Why do you want to become a Grand Challenges Scholar?" and "How do you think you will be able to contribute to the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?". Note that if you aren't sure about any answer in the application, don't worry! - you have time to modify your program throughout your time at SCU and you will work with a mentor to keep you on track!

Applications will be reviewed during the fall quarter. The early application deadline is Dec. 1 and scholars selected and notified by Dec. 15, 2023. (A late application deadline is Mar. 15.) A GCSP Application event will be available in the fall quarter to help you become more familiar with GCSP and the application. Look out for this event to be advertised in the SoE Weekly Newsletter!

Grand Challenge Scholar Program Application

Grand Challenge Scholar Program FAQs

Need help? Email the Director Jes Kuczenski at jkuczenski@scu.edu

Contact Us

Chair: Jes Kuczenski
Department Manager: Leilani De Nieva

Main Office: SCDI, Suite 2208

General Engineering
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053

Sobrato Discovery, Bldg. 402