Graham Foster ’21: Social Consciousness Learning Competency

Grand Challenges, Future Scholars

The National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenge Scholars Program includes a social consciousness competency because of the importance of connecting the fourteen challenges back to  our communities. The engineering solutions that are required to solve these Grand Challenges should also ultimately  improve the lives of people and the environment around them. Through giving back to the community, this aspect of the Grand Challenges Program ensures that  the principal vision of making life on this planet sustainable, secure, healthy and joyful will be a reality for the all people, not just the few at the top of the social strata.

Because of the Grand Challenges program, I have had some tremendous opportunities to interact with both prospective students as well as freshman and sophomores who are interested in the program. Through a number of panels and meetings, both virtually and in person, I have been able to talk about my experiences at UP and in the Grand Challenge Scholars Program, to try to inform and recruit students interested in the program to join and have an impact in a challenge that they feel passionate about. I’ve been a part of these opportunities both in person and virtually, and it has been great to be able to talk to potential Grand Challenge Scholars about sustainable energy, and how they can pursue their passions through the program.

Another opportunity that I had to give back to the community through the Grand Challenge Program was a family STEM fair in 2019. This was an event that UP sponsored for the local community, to allow kids of all ages to gain some exposure to the engineering profession  in a fun and creative experience. Interacting with the community in this way is a great way to inspire future generations of engineers who will be able to tackle the most pressing problems that are facing society. Regardless of background or experience, it’s important to have events like this so all kids, regardless of race, gender, or socio/economic background have ample opportunity to get excited about science and engineering at a young age, so that they might to choose a career in STEM if it sparks their interest. Events like these were super important to me when I was growing up, and definitely had an influence on my decision to pursue engineering.

These opportunities of giving back to the community have given me more perspective on who is affected by the engineering decisions we make and why it’s important to try to inspire and motivate young engineers. I am a better person and engineer for begin able to give back to the community and I am grateful for the opportunities that  the social consciousness component of the Grand Challenge Program has afforded me. Giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation of engineers to address the many challenges facing all people will ultimately improve society and their communities.