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Global Changemaker Scholars Program GCSP
  1. Global Changemaker Scholars
  2. What We Do

What We Do

Program Overview

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The Global Changemaker Scholars Program is designed to encourage student changemakers to focus their curricular and co-curricular experiences on addressing one or more of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals or National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges.  Global Changemaker Scholars develop skills in seven key areas:

  1. Project-based learning
  2. Interdisciplinary collaboration
  3. Global context
  4. Social Responsibility
  5. Innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
  6. Leadership
  7. Integrity and professionalism
Global Changemaker Scholars create a portfolio that captures their achievements in and thematic connectivity across these seven areas.

Moreover, Global Changemaker Scholars design and complete a Global Changemaker Commitment project (small team or individual) related to their SDG(s) or grand challenge and a Global Changemaker Capstone paper and presentation related to their project during their final quarters. These assignments are an opportunity for Scholars to demonstrate in detail their ideas for advancing progress on their selected SDG(s) or grand challenge(s).  These requirements are integrated into a special one-unit seminar (ENG 190) in which students can reflect on their work, consolidate their learning, and plan for the future.

Each Global Changemaker Scholar will engage a Mentor who will provide support for the duration of the program and guide the completion of requirements. The Mentor must be a UC San Diego academic or research professional whose work aligns with the SDG(s) or grand challenge(s) selected as a focus by the student. The Mentor will meet quarterly with the student and certify his/her successful completion of the program requirements, including the Global Changemaker Commitment project, capstone paper and presentation, and portfolio.

Benefits of Being a Global Changemaker Scholar

Global Changemaker Scholars will have multiple opportunities to develop and refine their professional skills, including UC San Diego’s twelve career readiness competencies. These are precisely the skills that employers and graduate schools are looking for in students who hope to create and lead positive social change.

Global Changemaker Scholars will also enjoy exclusive access to certain programs and services, professional and faculty networking opportunities, and modest financial support for their project-related activities, including travel. Students who complete the program will receive an official certificate from the National Academy of Engineering that they can list on their résumé.

Use your education to change the world and apply today! For more information, contact gcsp@ucsd.edu.