Grand Challenges

The Grand Challenges initiative connects Honors students across disciplines to tackle complex, systemic problems through collaborative, experiential learning. Each year a new Grand Challenge topic guides interdisciplinary inquiry and community partnership in pursuit of tangible impact.

The 2027 cohort will ask students to explore the question, “What Makes a Community Healthy?” Students will work together to understand the issue from multiple academic and community perspectives, examine its importance, and discuss potential approaches to a solution.

Join a community of scholars dedicated to fostering well-being. Space is limited—apply today to secure your spot and start making a difference.

Student Information

Advisor Information

Curriculum

UHP 289: Health, Well-being, and the Community

Students will work alongside peers from diverse disciplines, engage with campus experts, and begin to develop collaborative solutions to real-world challenges. The 2027 session invites students to examine the complexity of community health and well-being through multiple academic lenses.

In Spring 2027, UHP 289 will led by Dr. Drew Pearl. UHP 289 will be offered at 1:05-2:20 p.m. on Tuesday/Thursdays. Up to 25 students will be accepted in the course. Participants will receive a $1000 scholarship and the opportunity to take UHP 389 the following semester.

UHP 389: Engaging with Grand Challenges

Designed as a community engaged research experience, students will collaborate with a community organization that works on the issue of health and well-being. This allows students to apply what they learned in UHP 289 with authentic participation. UHP 389 is designed as an Applied Learning Experience (ALE) course, subject to approval by ALE course team.

UHP 389 will be offered in Fall 2027. Students must complete UHP 289 before taking UHP 389. Participants will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

How to Apply

To be accepted into the cohort, students must be in good standing with the Honors Program, as detailed in the Progress and Performance Policy at the time of application.

Application will go live September 2026. Applications will be available via the University Honors Canvas page.

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