What is at the Finish Line ?

During their senior year, Viterbi majors will be invited to apply for Designation as a Viterbi Grand Challenges Scholar. The process consists of submitting a narrative application discussing the students' activities and experiences to meet each of the Five Mindsets. In their narratives, students are expected to briefly discuss what they did to meet a particular Mindset, how their experience relates to Grand Challenges, and what they learned from the experience. A review committee will make determinations on Grand Challenges Scholar eligibility. Applications that best embody the mission and spirit of GCSP will be reviewed for further distinctions as Top Scholars, including award and recognition.

Students who earn the designation of Viterbi Grand Challenges Scholars receive the following:

  • A transcript designation as a Viterbi Grand Challenges Scholar
  • A medal  to be worn at Commencement and all other end of year celebrations
  • A recognition letter from the National Academy of Engineering's President
  • Recognition from the international GCSP Network
  • A Linkedin profile badge to display for resumes, employers, or graduate school opportunities

The Importance of Grand Challenges!

Awards and recognition for hard work at Viterbi are important. Our curriculum is notably rigorous as a means of preparing the next generation of engineers prepared and willing to tackle the biggest issues our global community face. "Engineering a Better World" is not just a saying at Viterbi- it is a part of our mission. The Grand Challenges Scholars Program and its international network of engineering schools (the GCSP Network), was founded by three engineering Deans who all at one point were prominent members of the Viterbi Family. One of those founders, Dean Yannis C. Yortsos, has remained with us at Viterbi and leads the charge in the continual effort to develop Viterbi to be best positioned to train students to address Grand Challenges.

GCSP was created to address the 14 Grand Challenges that the National Academy of Engineering identified in 2008. Though our societal challenges have morphed and multiplied since 2008, the mission is still the same: develop well-rounded engineers who, using engineering, knowledge, and technical abilities, can work across discipline and cultures to leverage phenomenon for useful purposes. So while accolades are important for developing careers and getting to the next level of the academic journey should a student choose to pursue an advanced degree, we truly want students to engage in GCSP to find purpose and help move society forward by tackling the tough issues head on. We do not expect every student to solve the worlds problems in just four years at Viterbi- but you can make a meaningful start for yourself and others!

Published on January 30th, 2025Last updated on January 30th, 2025