1) Can I still apply to the program if I have less than three years from graduation?
The "requirement" is to have at least three years to participate in the program. Students who have less than three years before graduation may still be able to complete the program if they have already engaged in activities that are aligned with the Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) curriculum. For example, if a student has already made progress in a research project which can be justified as contributing to solving one of the grand challenges, then the student would have a head start and have a chance of completing the program before graduating.
Students are encouraged to apply to the program, where they will have an opportunity to explain how they may have already made progress on one or more of the activities of the GCSP curriculum.
2) With regards to the activities required in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) curriculum, do they all have to be focused on the same Grand Challenge?
Focusing on the same Grand Challenge is certainly one option, however is not mandatory.
3) What do I need to do to get started?
First make a plan for how you will complete the program, including how to comply with the five components. Example, for the GCSP thesis, you can show how you integrated the other components of GCSP (e.g., interdisciplinary, entrepreneurship, global dimension, service learning). Plan your curriculum so that you do activities / courses that complement the GCSP. The student is expected to establish these connections.
4) What if I already have a thesis?
You can reuse your thesis and explain how the research is related to the Grand Challenge and optionally the other components in the program.
5) What are the expectations aside from completing the program requirements?
At the end of each year, you are expected to complete a survey to give feedback on the program and document your progress towards meeting the GCSP requirements. You are also expected to participate in the GCSP activities, such as the annual GCSP summit. Also, the more senior students in the program are expected to help mentor the students behind them in the program as well as to serve as external ambassadors of the program.