#USA #Washington, DC #public policy #2150 Center #MentorPro

The Launch of the Public Policy iLab at the 2150 Center

On May 28, 2025, the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth proudly launched its Public Policy iLab at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. This initiative aims to reshape the landscape of public policy by bringing together educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals in a collaborative environment.

One of the key goals of the iLab is to create a space for problem-solving that connects students with industry leaders and policy experts. “This iLab model convenes and curates the best and brightest minds to problem solve and build businesses,” expressed Erskine "Chuck" Faush, CEO of the 2150 Center. He emphasized that partnerships with universities like Miles College, Florida A&M University, Johnson C. Smith University, and Jackson State University are pivotal in fostering an inclusive approach to future-focused policy solutions.

The launch event was marked by insightful discussions among students, provosts, and federal policy experts. These conversations identified potential federal funding avenues, which could be enhanced by private sector investments. Additional focus areas included stakeholder mapping, capacity building for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and establishing a comprehensive strategy for promoting innovation.

In a remarkable collaboration, the 2150 Center has aligned with MentorPro, a mobile platform dedicated to mentorship. This partnership aims to create scalable and personalized mentorship opportunities for students and emerging entrepreneurs, providing real-time connections with seasoned mentors. “By embedding scalable mentorship into the fabric of public policy learning and leadership, we're creating deeper, more enduring pathways to success,” stated Jean Rhodes, Co-founder of MentorPro.

The iLab is designed to establish a robust innovation infrastructure that integrates education, mentorship, and commercialization. This initiative is seen as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, allowing participants to turn ideas into actionable policies that have meaningful impacts in various sectors.

As part of its ambitious rollout, which will span through 2025-26, the 2150 Center plans to launch additional iLabs targeting sectors including Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Health, and Energy. This broad approach aims to ensure widespread engagement and innovation across diverse industries, ultimately enhancing public policy frameworks.

The Public Policy iLab seeks to bridge gaps within education, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. By fostering direct interactions between students and leaders in the field, the initiative aims to empower the next generation of policy changers and innovators.

In conclusion, the iLab is not just an academic endeavor; it represents a movement towards creating a more inclusive and equipped community poised to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s world. This innovative approach has the potential to redefine how public policy is formulated and implemented across the nation. The 2150 Center is excited to lead the way in transforming policy landscapes through mentorship and collaboration.