NAE Grand Challenge Scholars Program
About the Program
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) is a combined curricular and extracurricular program with five components that are designed to prepare students to be the generation that solves the grand challenges facing society in this century. Students will work with a mentor on research related to a NAE Grand Challenge, engage in an interdisciplinary curriculum, entrepreneurship, global perspective, and service learning. Upon completing the program the student will receive a certificate of completion signed by both the NAE and the responsible Drexel University official.
Admission Requirements
Students have the opportunity to join the program anytime in the third quarter of their first year but not later than the end of their third year. Candidates must have a GPA of at least 3.25. The application includes a statement on why the student wishes to be a part of the program and vision statement for completion of the program requirements, including the research and civic engagement requirements. Students will complete a proposed plan of study that satisfies the requirements of the GCSP and must identify a mentor who they will work with in meeting the GCSP objectives.
Program Requirements
Project or research activity
Each Scholar will engage in some research that can be identified with one of the very broadly identified NAE Grand Challenges with a research mentor.
Civic Engagement activity
Each student will complete service with one community organization. The Scholar will be required to submit a written report on their activity and accomplishments.
Please note: In each of the coursework areas below, a student has the option of choosing an alternate course, provided it is approved by the Program Director and satisfies NAE requirements.
| Program Requirements | ||
| Entrepreneurship and Innovation experience. Select two courses from the following: | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Leading Start-Ups | ||
or ENTP 440 | Launch It!: Early Stage | |
or MGMT 260 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | |
or MGMT 365 | Business Plan for Entrepreneurs | |
| Global and cross-cultural perspectives. Select one course from the following: | 2.0-3.0 | |
| Global Entrepreneurship | ||
or ENGR 280 | Introduction to Global Engineering | |
| International Business. Select one course from the following: | 4.0 | |
| International Business | ||
or BLAW 342 | Criminal Law | |
| Political Science/History. Select one course from the following: | 4.0 | |
| Comparative Politics I | ||
or PSCI 352 | Ethics and International Relations | |
| Culture and Communications. Select one course from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Strategic International Communication | ||
or WGST 240 | Women and Society in a Global Context | |
| Total Credits | 19.0-22.0 | |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.
Additional Information
For more information and program contacts, please visit the NAE Grand Challenges Scholars Program webpage.