# IUSE/PFE:RED Planning: Redbirds Exploring Global Grand challenges In Engineering

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Board of Trustees of Illinois State University (IL) · $149,998

## Abstract

This project is a planning project at Illinois State University (ISU) to define strategies for the development of innovative undergraduate programs in the new College of Engineering. The current project will create a framework to attract and retain students and to prepare all students to tackle the complex societal problems identified by the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges for Engineering, and use that framework to develop a RED Track 2 proposal. Ultimately, the project will address critical national needs for a well-prepared STEM workforce. Rather than replicating traditional engineering programs, the project will explore new approaches that foster a strong sense of engineering purpose among undergraduate engineering students, particularly during the crucial second and third years. The college will incorporate the Grand Challenges for Engineering as a unifying theme across curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular experiences. By planning a program that connects technical skills with real-world challenges, and by designing mentoring systems that maintain student engagement across program years, the project will lay the groundwork for long-term engineering education reform. During this planning project, the project team will draw on evidence-based strategies and lessons learned from previous NSF-supported efforts to foster cultural change at the institutional level. The broader impact of this work lies in its potential to produce engineering graduates w

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2449643
- **Awardee organization:** Board of Trustees of Illinois State University (IL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** V6WTL4T5FFJ3
- **PI:** Matthew R Aldeman
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** PLANNING, OUTREACH & EDUCATION, EDUCATION RESEARCH, ENGINEERING EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $149,998
- **Funds obligated:** $149,998
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2449643

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2449643, IUSE/PFE:RED Planning: Redbirds Exploring Global Grand challenges In Engineering. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2449643. Licensed CC0.

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