The Service Learning Competency within the Grand Challenges Scholars Program emphasizes that engineering solutions should ultimately serve people and society. This competency is rooted in the belief that technical expertise carries a responsibility to address real community needs, promote equity, and improve quality of life.
Through service learning, students develop social awareness, civic responsibility, and a deeper understanding of how engineering knowledge can be applied to societal challenges. These experiences enhance classroom learning by providing practical, real-world engagement and meaningful community impact.
To fulfill this competency, students must complete at least 80 hours of significant service-learning experience. Service activities must:
Align with the student’s Grand Challenges theme and/or engineering
Provide direct benefit to a community or underserved population
Involve meaningful engagement from planning through implementation
Strengthen understanding of real-world applications of engineering
Be properly documented with tasks completed and time commitment
Pre-approved pathways include programs such as EPICS, Engineers Without Borders, and other sustained service initiatives.
For my Health theme, I fulfill the Service Learning Competency through FSE 404: Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS). This experience allowed me to apply technical skills in a way that directly benefited individuals and communities while reinforcing the importance of accessibility, affordability, and equity in healthcare innovation.
Through this competency, I have come to understand that impactful engineering is not only about innovation, it is about service, responsibility, and improving lives.