Clay N. Hixson Student Success Center

Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP)

The Tennessee Tech University Grand Challenge Scholars Program combines innovative curricular and co-curricular experiences into an intellectual program that spans across multiple disciplines and includes technical, entrepreneurial and service-learning opportunities.

Students who complete the program will achieve the distinction of Grand Challenges Scholar, endorsed by both Tennessee Tech and the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and will be uniquely prepared to collaborate and succeed in a transdisciplinary and global environment.

Consider Joining the GCSP if you:

Want to play an integral role in improving the health and joy of living in your community.
Have an intellectual curiosity and committed to address a situation from diverse contexts.
Want to interact with distinguished leaders from industry, business, academia, government and service organizations.

Student classroom discussion The GCSP program is open to any Tech student who has at least two semesters remaining to graduation from the start of their GCSP experience. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each semester and are reviewed by the GCSP Steering Committee.

How Does it Work?
The Grand Challenge Scholars Program can be completed in tandem with existing degree requirements thanks to many opportunities already built into the Tennessee Tech engineering curriculum. Students accepted into the program who complete the steps will receive special recognition at commencement via a GCSP stole/sash identifying the distinction worn with academic regalia.

Step 1: Explore Interest
- Meet the GCSP leadership team
- Attend a monthly GCSP meeting
Step 2: Planning and Team Building
- Identify a GCSP faculty mentor
- Complete the GCSP application form
- Identify a GCSP Theme (view themes on the application form)
- Create a customized pathway
Step 3: Jump Start on GCSP Engagement
- Attend monthly GCSP meetings
- Engage in curricular and co-curricular activities
- Meet the mentor at least two times every semester, during academic advising to ensure you are on track to fulfill the requirement.
- Complete a one-page reflection describing how your selected activity fulfilled the respective competency.
Step 4: Graduate
- Write a two-page reflection across five competencies to present what you learned about your theme.
- Complete the GCSP Graduation Form
- Attend the annual Black-Tie event and be recognized across the college
- Obtain a stole to wear with the academic regalia during graduate commencement.
How do I apply?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each semester and are reviewed by the GCSP Steering Committee. You can download the application below, complete it and submit it to the GCSP Director, Dr. Ismail Fidan. The steering committee will notify applications of their acceptance to the program within 30 days of an application’s submission.

Download the GCSP Application
Program Completion Requirements
The Tennessee Tech Grand Challenges Scholars will complete curricular and/or co-curricular activities within the five competencies of the Grand Challenges Scholars Program (social consciousness, multicultural, viable business/entrepreneurship, multidisciplinary, and talent).

Talent Competency:

TN Tech GC scholars will satisfy this competency through successful completion of one of the following pathways:
- A team-based capstone design project
- A summer REU program
- A summer internship in an engineering discipline
- Honors thesis
- A semester-long faculty-sponsored research project related to one of the 14 grand challenge goals
- Other approved experience
Multicultural Competency:

TN Tech GC scholars will satisfy this competency through successful completion of one of the following pathways.
- Approved one-semester study-abroad engineering internship experience
- Approved study-abroad course (at least three weeks in duration) coordinated by the TN Tech
- Global research project related to global health, environmental challenges, etc
- Completion of two courses relating to global culture
- Or other approved experience
Multidisciplinary Competency:

TN Tech GC scholars will satisfy this competency through successful completion of one of the following pathways.
- Completion of two courses in the social sciences, arts, public policy, or international affairs
- Multidisciplinary capstone senior design project
- A minor in either public policy, international relations, business, law, or arts
- Or other approved experience
Viable Business/Entrepreneurship Competency

TN Tech GC scholars will satisfy this competency through successful completion of one of the following pathways.
- Submission of an invention disclosure or application for a patent or other form of intellectual property
- Completion of a course in entrepreneurship through the TN Tech College of Business
- Fulfill requirements to obtain the TN Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Certificate
- Or other approved experience
Social Consciousness Competency

TN Tech GC scholars will satisfy this competency through successful completion of one of the following pathways.
- Serving as a tutor or supplemental instruction leader for the College of Engineering (one semester in duration, 5-10 hours per week minimum)
- Serving in the CoE Ambassadors program for at least one academic year, and participating in outreach programs
- Completion of a course in ethics and/or civic engagement
- Design and delivery of an assistive device for children in the community through Tech Engineering for Kids.
- Serving in the TN Tech Rural Reimagined for at least one academic year, and participating in one of the service programs
Or other approved experience

Program Steering Committee

	Ismail Fidan GCSP Director Professor, Manufacturing and Engineering Technology ifidan@tntech.edu
	Tania Datta Associate Professor, Environmental Engineering tdatta@tntech.edu
	Robby Sanders Associate Professor, Interim Chair, Chemical Engineering rsanders@tntech.edu
	Kumar Yelamarthi Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Associate Dean, College of Engineering kyelamarthi@tntech.edu