College of Engineering

The Grand Challenge Scholars Program Pitch Event

Our Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GSCP) is the only undergraduate program of its kind in Idaho, designed to prepare students to solve the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering in the 21st century. These challenges were established by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) as goals for improving life on this planet.

Every fall, the College of Engineering hosts the GSCP Pitch Event to give students the opportunity to explain how their projects not only address one of the 14 Grand Challenges, but meet primary NAE program components: Sustainability, Health, Security, and Joy of Living.

Students pitch their challenge projects to an assembly of judges made up of faculty, alumni and members of the U of I Academy of Engineers to secure funding for their ideas.

Grand Challenge Scholars

The University of Idaho College of Engineering is committed to the Grand Challenge Scholars Program — a combined curricular and extra-curricular program with five components designed to prepare students to address the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering in the 21st century.

View All GCSP Student Portfolios

2022 Grand Challenge Scholars Program Pitch Event Winners

Engineering students and teams earned thousands of dollars in funding during the seventh annual Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) Pitch Event hosted by the University of Idaho College of Engineering.

DeVlieg Scholar

Funded through the DeVlieg Foundation, this scholar program promotes educational hands-on experiences with emphasis in science, engineering, renewable energy and preservation of natural resources.

Alyssa Hansten

Gary Dau Scholar

Established in memory of 1956 alumnus Gary Dau, the program helps students pursue creative problem-solving and gain skills to approach engineering challenges with innovative thinking.

Nathan LaVoie

Richard T and Bonnie L. Jacobsen Scholar

Established in honor of late U of I College of Engineering alumnus, professor, chair and dean Richard Jacobsen, the Jacobsen Scholar program helps fund engineering students engaging in faculty research.