Student-led invention teams transformed into innovative creators through InvenTeams program
Empowering High School Students to Make a Difference: The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Grant Initiative
For the past 20 years, the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Grant Initiative has been inspiring high school students across the country, turning them into inventors who address real-world problems through STEM education and invention projects. The programme supports student teams with grants of $7,500, mentorship, and technical consultation, culminating in presentations at MIT and other public showcases.
Each year, between 50 and 80 applications are received from student teams. One such team, from Calistoga Junior/Senior High School in California, participated in a year-long invention project in 2023. Their invention aimed to keep firefighters and agricultural workers cool in hot working conditions. After their presentation at the programme's capstone Eurekafest event at MIT, the students were invited to the California State Capitol to share their work with lawmakers. They were also selected as finalists in the student SXSW Innovation Awards.
The initiative has had significant impacts on students, schools, and communities. Students gain hands-on invention experience, learning problem identification, prototyping, and patent filing. For instance, a team from Calistoga developed a cooling device for firefighters and agricultural workers, later patenting their solution. Participants often report enhanced confidence and a stronger interest in STEM disciplines after their involvement, which sometimes influences their educational and career paths.
In addition to student empowerment, the programme fosters collaboration and innovation culture within schools and broader communities. The inventions typically address local issues, improving community well-being. Since inception, InvenTeams have been awarded 19 U.S. patents, highlighting the program’s success in fostering tangible invention outcomes that continue beyond the programme timeframe.
To reach more schools and students, the Lemelson-MIT program created a membership program, called Partners in Invention Education. The curriculum of this programme stretches from kindergarten to the first two years of college, making STEM subjects relevant to students. According to Edwin Marrero, the programme makes STEM subjects relevant to students.
Eurekafest, the final event at MIT, is held annually in June and is open to the public. Students participating in Eurekafest stay in MIT dormitories for a few days leading up to the presentations, allowing them to network with other inventors and industry professionals. The presentations provide an opportunity for students to showcase their inventions and share their experiences with a wider audience.
In summary, the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Grant Initiative bridges STEM education with real-world impact by nurturing creativity, technical skills, and entrepreneurial mindsets among high school students, while producing innovations that benefit their communities.
- The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Grant Initiative has been inspiring high school students for 20 years, turning them into inventors who address real-world problems.
- The InvenTeams programme supports student teams with grants, mentorship, and technical consultation, culminating in presentations at MIT and public showcases.
- Each year, between 50 and 80 applications are received from student teams, and the granted funding goes towards invention projects.
- For instance, a team from Calistoga developed a cooling device for firefighters and agricultural workers, later patenting their solution.
- Students gain hands-on invention experience, learning problem identification, prototyping, and patent filing.
- In addition to student empowerment, the programme fosters collaboration and innovation culture within schools and broader communities.
- To reach more schools and students, the Lemelson-MIT program created a membership program, called Partners in Invention Education, with a curriculum stretching from kindergarten to the first two years of college.
- The annual Eurekafest event at MIT, open to the public, allows students to network with other inventors and industry professionals during presentations of their inventions.
- The programme's impact bridges STEM education with real-world impact, nurturing creativity, technical skills, and entrepreneurial mindsets among high school students, while producing innovations that benefit communities, leading to 19 U.S. patents since inception.
