GRIT+ : Purdue Engineering Experiential Learning
Global, Research, Industry, Teamwork and More
The GRIT+ initiative launched in 2019 expands the definition of undergraduate education beyond the required curriculum and grades by connecting students to experiential learning opportunities available in Purdue Engineering on and off the transcript. Over 70% of graduating Boilermaker Engineers gain direct experience outside of traditional academic setting through study and work abroad, industry co-ops and internships, research, community service and entrepreneurship projects. We invite you to explore the GRIT+ programs below that enrich, challenge, and deepen the heart and mind.
Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)
The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to earn academic credit while engaging in authentic and extended research and design projects related to active research areas of Purdue faculty members and national, international, and industry-sponsored design challenges.
Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS)
EPICS is a unique program in which teams of undergraduates are designing, building, and deploying real systems to solve engineering-based problems for local community service and education organizations.
Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE)
Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) is Purdue’s premier international work experience program. It provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to integrate language study, study abroad, cultural training, domestic and international work/research experiences, and global design team projects into the 4-year Engineering curriculum.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (SURF)
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program aims to provide a hands-on research experience for undergraduate students that will stimulate their interest in advanced education and research careers. The program facilitates SURF participants in planning their future career, writing professionally, and presenting at a technical conference.
Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships
The Office of Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships (GEPP) firmly believes immersive, transformative international experiences such as studying, working, or researching abroad lead to more effective engineering graduates who can work effectively across cultural, ethnic, and national boundaries, helping their employers or their own businesses succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
Office of Professional Practice
The Office of Professional Practice (OPP) facilitates the experiential education and professional practice of Purdue University students within the academic environment of the institution and its global partners, participates in academic research within the field of professional practice, and assists academic units with enhanced employer engagement.
Innovation and Leadership Studies
The Minor in Innovation and Transformational Change will teach students world-class methods and techniques to transform the most pressing problems and challenges in business, government, the non-profit sector, and academia into opportunities to make a significant impact - and equip them with the mindsets, behaviors, attributes, and tools needed to reach leadership roles and make large-scale, positive impact.
Engineering Honors Program
Honors College Engineering majors complete their first year with the Goss Scholars Learning Community, which provides first-year engineering students the opportunity to engage with fellow high-achieving students in transformational educational experiences. The Goss Scholars Learning Community is designed to extend the depth of the first-year engineering academic experience, provide mentorship, offer leadership opportunities, and build community.
Purdue Foundry
The Purdue Foundry exists to help Purdue students, faculty and local alumni move ideas to the marketplace more quickly. It is a place to transform innovators into entrepreneurs by providing advice on entity formation, ideation, market analysis and business model development.
