In "Innovation for Impact," a class also known as "Hacking 4 Climate" that was offered for the first time this fall and will be offered in the winter quarter, six teams of five students are assigned to investigate an environmental issue. During the investigation, which involves speaking with companies, advocates and other issue stakeholders, the students search for gaps that could lead to opportunities for a business-based solution in the form of a startup.

The little boy, about 7 years old, almost disappeared inside the virtual reality headset, yet the way he was holding up his hands showed he knew exactly what to do. A laptop screen showed what he was seeing: digital outlines of hands manipulating Tetris-like blocks. A hand turned a block to make it fit, then picked up another.

At World Relief offices just north of Sacramento, junior Cristina Lopez of the University of California, Davis, is training to lead presentations to help newly arrived refugees settle in — from opening a bank account to accessing health care.

Cheryl Purifoy, director of the UC Davis Washington Program, believes in the power of mentorship and hands-on experience to help equip students for their futures.