Innovating Public Impact
Solve real-world public challenges in interdisciplinary teams while building skills that make a difference in your community
What is is IfPI?
Innovating for Public Impact is a hands-on, experiential course where student teams tackle real-world public sector challenges to create practical solutions that make a difference in their communities. Over the semester, teams research and analyze a pressing problem, engaging directly with stakeholders to understand needs, constraints, and opportunities. Using a structured process, students test ideas, prototype solutions, and develop recommendations that are feasible, impactful, and actionable. The course emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, allowing students from any major to contribute their unique perspectives while gaining professional skills in problem-solving, communication, and project management. By the end of the course, students emerge with tangible experience addressing complex societal issues, preparing them to make meaningful contributions in public service, industry, and beyond.
Value for Students
- Hands-on experience tackling real problems
- Skills in teamwork, communication, and stakeholder engagement
- Practice turning research into actionable solutions
- Exposure to public sector and nonprofit careers
- Connections to local and national partners for next steps
Value for Community Partners
- Fresh perspectives on real challenges
- Structured research and 100+ stakeholder interviews
- Actionable recommendations grounded in community input
- Extended capacity without added staff costs
- Early access to a motivated talent pipeline
Testimonials
