We are recruiting the third cohort of Grand Challenge Scholars, and hope that you will help us by spreading the word!  UMBC's Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) is an exciting opportunity that is open to students from all majors who are interested in exploring interdisciplinary approaches to making the world a better place.

The Grand Challenges are 14 problems in the areas of sustainability, health, infrastructure, and the joy of living that will require interdisciplinary teams and sustained years of effort to solve.  The GCSP brings together a diverse cohort of undergraduates from all majors to work towards solutions for these problems.  GC Scholars develop broad skills by completing experiences in five program areas: research, interdisciplinarity, entrepreneurship, global perspectives, and service. 

We especially encourage sophomores to apply but students who are earlier or later in their studies are also welcome to apply as long as they are able to complete the requirements. In addition to the five program experiences, students must complete three one-credit GCSP seminars, and are expected to participate in GC-related activities on and off campus. 

For more information about the program, please visit http://gcsp.umbc.edu. 

We will be hosting a Grand Challenges Symposium on Monday, April 2, from 6-8 p.m. in UC 310. We invite you to come and learn more about the GCSP, meet the current Scholars, and enjoy light refreshments.

To apply, students should submit an unofficial transcript, short essay answers, two names of references, and optionally a short letter of support at https://gcsp.umbc.edu/application/.  The deadline is April 15 but we will also consider applications received after the deadline on a rolling basis.

Faculty may nominate students by completing the short nomination form at https://goo.gl/forms/Nrib7TajEwPCZsVk1.

Please forward this information to your colleagues and students. We would also welcome the opportunity to have a GCSP staff or student come to classes to talk about the program for a few minutes, especially large sophomore classes.

Thank you for your support!

Marie desJardins