The current climate of higher education institutions is structured in a way that inhibits students from cultivating the skills they need to be most successful during their college careers. However, an effort toward educating students on the concept of grit, which refers to the perseverance of long-term goals, can help address this problem within collegiate learning environments.

This study uses a three-part grit scale and new methods of design thinking to inform requirements for the design of a grit development program for students most affected by a lack of motivation to persist in higher education. Such an intervention may have implications for student retention in college and fostering growth mindset to further learner self-awareness and success beyond college and into the professional workplace.