What We Do

About Us

The Global Changemaker Scholars Program is an innovative program for UC San Diego undergraduate changemakers. The program is designed to encourage students to focus their curricular and co-curricular experiences on addressing one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (Jacobs School of Engineering students may choose to focus on one or more of the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges.)

Mission Statement

Provide undergraduate students a Certificate Program designed to address one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Program Overview

The Global Changemaker Scholars design and complete a Grand Challenge Commitment project (small team or individual) related to their SDG(s) or grand challenge and complete a Grand Challenge Capstone paper and presentation related to their project during their final quarters. These assignments are an opportunity for Scholars to demonstrate in detail his/her ideas for advancing progress on the selected SDG(s) or grand challenge(s).

Moreover, Global Changemaker Scholars will have the opportunity to compile a Grand Challenge Scholar portfolio that demonstrates achievement in and thematic connectivity across the seven program elements. These requirements will be integrated into a special one-unit “Grand Challenge Scholars Seminar” (ENG 190 course approval pending) in which students will have the opportunity to 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 will certify his/her successful completion of the program requirements, including the Grand Challenge Commitment project, the Grand Challenge Capstone paper and presentation, and the Grand Challenge Scholar 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 the students that they hope will create and lead positive social change in the 21st century.

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

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