Project-based Learning

Students collaborating around project

In a world that’s constantly evolving, it’s natural for education to evolve along with it. Project-based learning (PBL) is essential to fostering more skilled, empathetic, confident, experienced students—and, in turn, members of society. And over the last 50 years, we’ve not only mastered this pedagogy rooted in hands-on learning, but set tens of thousands of students on the course for success in the process.

Learning doesn’t stop once students leave the classroom, and more than ever, students need to be prepared not only for their first job, but for their careers and lives for years to come. It’s imperative for students and educators alike that we implement project-based learning in higher education. Doing so will be crucial in elevating education, its outcomes, and impact on the ever-changing global challenges we face as a society.

Preview students working on robot

Lifelong Impact of Project Work

Discover the long-term professional and personal impact of project-based learning (PBL)

Featured Student Projects

man shoveling

Winter Climate Adaptation in Worcester

Graduate students explored the impacts of climate change on Worcester during the winter season, focusing on the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and populations.

student with project

Uranium and The Navajo Nation

Kylar Foley ’24’s research highlights the dangers of uranium mines, emphasizing both the chemical and radiological effects

From the University Magazine

bird with map of Taiwan

Global Impact: Cultural Buddy System Connects Students in Taiwan

Taiwan is ideal for a WPI project center, where students tackle Interactive Qualifying Projects connecting society and technology.

group of people

Protecting Endangered Cultures

With discarded laptops from corporate America, Ted Hein ’88 helps preserve indigenous cultures in Latin America, while narrowing the digital divide.

image ofa country and fruit

Global Impact: Making a Difference in Armenia

Through a partnership with the American University of Armenia and driven by alum Mike Aghajanian '80, WPI students have worked on projects that make an impact at one of WPI's newer project centers. 

two men with wheelchair

Combining a Passion for Robotics with an Entrepreneurial Spirit

Antonio Marzoratti ’27 and Ivan Zou ’27 are pursuing what they consider a promising idea—an affordable adapter that will convert a manual wheelchair into one run on electricity.

Donor Profiles