The Impact Lab is more than a course, it’s a chance to take on urgent, unsolved problems that matter. The work is hard and rewarding and can’t be done alone!
Students learn to navigate ambiguity, generate powerful insights and iterate bold ideas alongside community, industry and government partners. Driven by their desire to make a real impact, students build the skills, mindsets and confidence to lead innovation that matters – in their careers and in the world.
What is Innovation for the Public Good?
What kind of problems do students work on?
The ones that aren’t solved yet. These are big, messy, complex challenges that communities, experts and leaders have been wrestling with for years, like food insecurity or health outcome disparities. If there were easy answers, they’d be solved by now. Our students step into the ambiguity, using a range of innovation skills to discover meaningful ways to create progress.
Is the goal to “solve” the problem?
No—it's to make real impact. Even small shifts matter on complex challenges. In Impact Lab, we challenge students to find a way to move the needle, then explore how to build on it and amplify it.
Who can participate?
Anyone. No experience needed, just curiosity and a drive to make change.
How do students engage with real-world experts?
Students engage directly with our robust ecosystem of community, government and industry partners who’ve been working on these issues for years. We have structured iteration work sessions throughout the practicum, as well as several opportunities for informal connection. Partners bring real-world insight and context, helping students ground their ideas, challenge assumptions and iterate their work based on thoughtful, honest feedback.
Is this STEM?
Yes, and more. Many of the challenges we work on draw from science, requiring critical thinking and data analysis. Creating real impact also calls for adaptive thinking, ethical reasoning, rapid iteration, creativity, collaboration and the ability to communicate across disciplines. Whether students come from STEM backgrounds or not, they learn to navigate real-world challenges and develop skills to make an impact in any setting.
What’s the connection between Impact Lab and entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship and the Impact Lab are deeply connected.
I’ve learned the importance of systems thinking—zooming out to understand key players, problems and feedback loops so I can perpetuate good things and disrupt bad things. I want to make as much of an impact on humanity as possible, especially in healthcare and education.
Jonathan Sotelo
Biomedical Engineering Junior
By the Numbers
25+
Engaged partners
98%
Participants would recommend Impact Lab
172
Alumni of latest Impact Lab Practicums & Tech Maker Course
21
Student mentors & catalysts
6
Showcase projects
4
Summer fellowships