How is this different from other Engineering and Science Programs?
- Each student determines the problem he wants to solve based on issues he has experienced in his own life or that familiy or friends are experiencing.
- Solution is a real-world, practical invention of their own design.
What will this cost my school?
For each school, there is a participation fee of $150. This fee provides access for a school year to all components of the curriculum for grades K-12 and can be used in an unlimited number of classrooms. Invention Convention is an exceedingly cost-effective way to get kids practicing real life skills that will last a lifetime.
Why have I never heard of California Invention Convention?
This is a fairly new initiative here in California. Starting with the 2016 school year, we began our Pilot Project – with over 12 schools participating in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz County, and over 400 students going through the program. We held our first state-wide Invention Convention in April 2017. Since then, we have held a state wide California Invention Convetion every year in April. In 2021, over 4.500 students went through the program in their schools and 200 were chosen to participate at the state level. Today the program is being taught both in classrooms and afterschool programs across the state and over 6,000 students are participating in the program.
is this program happening elsewhere?
The Connecticut Invention Convention has been doing this program for 38 years. In 2016, The STEMIE Coalition created a network of local state Invention Convention programs (including the California Invention Convention) and then 2018 partnered with The Henry Ford – who became the major sponsor and presentor of the US National Invention Convention. Under the guidance of the The Henry Ford, the coalition has grown to a set of Worldwide affiliates – representing four international countries, and 22 state and regional programs in the US. The purpose of the Global initiative is to elevate STEMIE education through competitions, events and a flexible, project-based curriculum aligned to education standards.
My school already has Invention Education. Can we participate in California Invention Convention (and National Convention)?
Yes you can! There are some criteria around inventions that every inventor must follow – but if those criteria are met, the more the merrier. Students must first attend the state Convention and then selected students are invited to the National Convention. Contact us so we can discuss it further.