Rapid Innovation for Public Impact

The Ultimate Experiential Learning

This 4 credit hour course is offered in the Fall and Spring on Fridays from 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Our Rapid Innovation course is an applied research experience that gives students an opportunity to gain real-world experience, grow their professional network, and learn professional skills that will be valuable post graduation! Work on a real-world challenge from a client with students from other disciplines and put yourself in line for possible internships and employment.

Want to learn more: Keep an eye out for our next information session in November!

"I am a second semester senior and this class is not like anything else I have ever taken before. This class is the best preparation for real life and the work world I've ever had. I am so glad I am taking it." -Kaylie Williams
"This class is what an internship should be!" - Fall '23 Sponsor
"You all are teaching the best class in the state!" - Ohio Department of Transportation
Read this article about students who completed a challenge!

Spring 2025 Preliminary Challenge Clients:

Engie
Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services
Smart Columbus
Steelton Rising
Ohio National Guard
Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council

In this course, students are placed onto interdisciplinary teams to combat a single real-world, wicked problem that is provided by a government agency or non-profit organization. Students get to use the knowledge and skills they have gained in their academic career and apply them to make real impact. Throughout the semester, teams will interview experts and those affected most by the problem in order to learn more about what is happening and what a solution might look like. At the end of the semester, the teams present a minimum viable solution to their sponsors and the rest of the class.

Why take this course?

Tackle a Wicked, Real-World Problem - Wicked problems require a variety of backgrounds to solve. Each of our challenges has technical aspects, including data analysis and machine learning, that must be informed by social, economic/business, arts backgrounds, and more. If you have an interest in one of these challenges, your expertise and perspective is useful!
Travel and gain experience in the real-world: Student-teams are encouraged to find a conference, a site to visit, or even connect with their sponsor organizations for a trip to experience the challenges and functions of the real-world. Budget is set aside for each team to take advantage of this opportunity.
Build your network: Through this course you will interview subject matter experts, stakeholders, and many more people who care about the challenge you are tackling. Take this opportunity to grow your professional network and connect with people eager to connect with you!
Gain much needed essential skills: From opportunities to practice your communication skills, to building your interpersonal skills, to becoming a stronger leader, this course guides you into a growth mindset so you can gain even more from experience.
Application over Lecture: This course isn't built to lecture and quiz you. You and your team are graded on your ability to navigate the innovation process, lead with your curiosity, and work together as you drive towards a solution at the end of the course. Short lectures for background are key, but the majority of the time will be presentations and workshops that will help you push through the phases of discovery and development!

Learn more