Office of Innovation and Strategic Design

Office of the Provost

Shift Education Lab

What is a Shift Education Lab?

Established in 2024, the Shift Education Lab is an innovation hub dedicated to transforming K-12 education. Operating within the Shift Labs Network under the Office of Innovation & Strategic Design, we bridge the gap between traditional instruction and modern technological change.

As an opportunity hub for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, we partner with educators and stakeholders to pilot creative projects that solve real-world problems. By delivering cutting-edge tools and experiential learning, we ensure today's students and teachers are equipped to lead and thrive in a changing educational landscape.

scenes of children building with legos and lego creations

Who we work with

Shift Education Lab operates as an interdisciplinary unit at VCU, bridging expertise across campus to drive educational innovation. We frequently collaborate with the VCU School of Education, the VCU School of Education Center for Teacher Leadership, and the VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, with a focus on the Rice Rivers Center. 

Together, we partner on a diverse range of initiatives, including:

  • STEM Course Development: Designing and delivering innovative STEM education curricula.
  • Academic Research: Securing STEM education grants, delivering presentations, and publishing cutting-edge findings.
  • Study Abroad Programs: Expanding global perspectives for educators and learners.

Beyond the university, our primary partners are regional public and private K-12 school divisions. We tailor our support to meet the unique needs of each district, serving both teachers and students. To support these communities, we provide access to advanced educational technologies, experiential field trips, collaborative design jams, and specialized professional development opportunities.

scenes of students building with legos

Types of projects we tackle

  • Design Jams for K-12 students
  • Teacher Trainings
  • STEM curriculum development
  • Public and private school partnerships
  • Academic research
  • Global education experiences
  • Workshops on STEM education topics
  • STEM education products or grants

Want to collaborate with Shift Education Lab?

Contact us!