School of Education | Research, Discovery, and Innovation (RDI) | Impact Through Innovation (ITI)

Impact Through Innovation (ITI)

Moving Ideas to Measurable Impact

At UNC Greensboro’s School of Education, we believe that research should inspire action. The Impact Through Innovation (ITI) initiative empowers educators, students, and communities to turn ideas into transformative programs that overcome challenges and create measurable change.

When mindsets shift and obstacles are creatively addressed, growth happens. The result? Flourishing individuals and communities whose influence shapes future generations.

ITI engages students and faculty as change agents, blending education, innovation, and entrepreneurship to improve lives through:

Education

We offer training and development programs for faculty, students, and alumni that build the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to spark innovation and seize opportunities.

Research

Our research explores the ingredients of innovation—how ideas evolve, how they impact individuals and institutions, and how shared knowledge drives programming and resource allocation.

implementation

We connect ideas to action by linking the School of Education community with the expertise and resources needed to grow and sustain innovation.

innovation Projects

ITI supports the development of programs, services, and products that address real educational challenges. We empower stakeholders—faculty, administrators, researchers, practitioners, students, and communities—to create solutions that improve lives, schools, and communities.

Innovation is the spark that ignites lifelong learning and growth. ITI is a proven catalyst and incubator for change, and we invite you to be part of it.

Our IDEA Model of Project Development guides innovations through four key phases:

Idea Formation
Development – Launching, testing, assessing, and refining
Expansion
Acceleration – Applying and scaling for broader impact

This model helps move projects from concept to reality, supporting growth at the intersection of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Noah Lenstra’s Innovation Journey

While researching digital literacy among seniors, Dr. Noah Lenstra discovered a surprising connection: seniors often discussed physical activity in libraries. Could libraries promote physical literacy?

Using the ITI model, Dr. Lenstra transformed this idea into action—developing webinars, collecting data, and launching a website. His work exemplifies how ITI helps innovators expand their impact.

Libraries, for Your Health

Join Us

Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or community partner, ITI offers a platform to turn your ideas into meaningful change. Let’s innovate together.

Faculty Innovation Support

Student Spartan Innovation Box