At WGU Labs, we don’t just envision change - we build, test, and scale it
As the innovation engine of Western Governors University, WGU Labs blends the strength of a national higher-education institution with the agility of an innovation lab and the support of our like-minded partners to take on entrenched barriers facing adult learners, first-generation students, and historically underserved talent. Our multi-disciplinary team works end-to-end to move ideas from research through piloting to large-scale adoption.
Why we work this way
The postsecondary and workforce landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by new technologies, shifting employer needs, and learners balancing complex lives. Too many skilled individuals, what we call Stranded and Rising Talent, face systemic barriers that limit their educational and career advancement. WGU Labs exists to change that.
Through rigorous research, human-centered design, and real-world implementation, we develop and scale practical solutions that expand access, improve quality, and strengthen pathways between learning and work.
How we do it
Our model is built around four core pillars, which, together, enable full-cycle innovation. Each pillar is rooted in rigorous research, design-thinking, field testing, and partnership activation.
What we do
Identify effective practices, reveal gaps, and provide the data necessary to shape strategic intervention.
Why it matters
Identify effective practices, reveal gaps, and provide the data necessary to shape strategic intervention.
What we do
Design learning tools, curriculum, student-support systems, and new program models grounded in learning science and adult-learner realities.
Why it matters
Rapid prototyping and design-focused thinking reduce friction and enhance relevance.
What we do
Forge partnerships across higher ed, workforce and employer networks, and EdTech and innovation venture communities. We test new solutions in real-world environments.
Why it matters
Pilots and field-tests with partners accelerate learning and readiness for scale.
What we do
Invest in and incubate early-stage ventures aligned with our equity-and-impact mission.
Why it matters
Systems change isn’t just about tools; it requires ecosystem building and capacity to grow.
This framework allows WGU Labs to take a holistic path - from idea to testing, from pilot to broad deployment. To date, we have executed dozens of research and design initiatives, supported over 50 early-stage companies, and helped co-develop scalable tools that = support postsecondary access and success
How we grow
To serve adult and nontraditional learners, personalization isn’t optional—it’s essential. We will advance adaptive learning experiences that reflect real learners’ lives: dynamic feedback, authentic assessments, differentiated paths, and higher-order skills.
We design and test learning tools, programs, and models grounded in evidence and learning science.
We collaborate with higher education institutions, workforce partners, and EdTech innovators to pilot and scale what works.
Partnering for scale
Our model depends on collaboration. We partner with like-minded organizations for system-wide change to greater impact learners everywhere.
We collaborate with institutions, employers, and EdTech partners to design, test, and refine innovative learning models in real-world settings.
Once proven, we work with partners to expand successful solutions across systems and regions through flexible funding and implementation models.
We emphasize transparency and shared learning by co-developing evaluation frameworks and openly sharing evidence and insights.
We partner with funders and ecosystem builders to scale early-stage innovations into sustainable, system-level change.
We share research, insights, and best practices broadly through publications, events, and thought leadership to drive field-wide impact.