As The Henry Ford continues its efforts to impact more young learners across the country through the Invention Convention Worldwide program, we are excited to announce that our affiliate network is expanding to include four new states. This expansion includes new statewide affiliate programs in Arizona, Iowa, Texas and Alabama.
Arizona – J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute | Arizona State University
With a #1 ranking in innovation for the past 10 years, Arizona State University has joined the Invention Convention Worldwide community as the affiliate for Invention Convention Arizona. The program will be led by staff at ASU’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute. “For over a decade, our Youth team has pioneered innovation in STEM, entrepreneurship, and professional development, empowering teachers across the country through strategic partnerships,” says Kim Reynolds, senior program manager of community engagement. “Now, by adding Invention Convention to our mission, we’re ready to expand our reach and inspire every Arizona student to unlock their creative potential and embrace the power of innovation.”
Invention Convention Arizona will offer programming for students grades K-12 and with the backing of ASU’s resources, they will be inspired to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Heidi Jacobson, director of youth programming for the institute said, “This partnership will revolutionize our approach to nurturing K-12 inventors by empowering them to tackle real-world challenges. Together we are paving the way for a new generation of inventors, who are building the future — one invention at a time.”
Texas – Spark! PK-12 Engineering Education Outreach | Texas A&M University
Invention Convention Texas is gearing up to inspire future inventors and provide invention education opportunities to more students with a new affiliate partner: Spark! PK-12 Engineering Education Outreach, a division of the Texas A&M Engineering Office of Workforce Development. This team is thrilled to help students across the state unleash their creativity, spark an early passion for engineering and connect students to a larger network of innovators, helping them explore and prepare for future careers in STEM fields. “Spark! is excited to help shape the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers by providing educators with resources to nurture young talent,” says Dr. Cindy Lawley, assistant vice chancellor for academic and outreach programs for Texas A&M Engineering. “This is the beginning of a transformative journey for Texas’ brightest young minds!”
Iowa – The Jacobson Institute | University of Iowa
Working with teachers, schools and community partners, the Jacobson Institute at the University of Iowa develops opportunities for students to practice 21st-century skills to become critical thinkers with the confidence to boldly and creatively innovate for the benefit of their communities. “Becoming the Iowa affiliate for Invention Convention Worldwide is a perfect fit for the Jacobson Institute,” says Dawn Bowlus, Jacobson Institute director. With programs like KidInnovator and BizInnovator Startup, the team is excited to add Invention Convention programming to bridge connections between innovation, invention and entrepreneurship for today’s youth. “Iowa Invention Convention offers Iowa students one more opportunity to practice and develop the critical problem-solving skills and mindsets they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”
Alabama – iSTEM Alabama Collaborative | Alabama STEM Council
“The iSTEM Alabama Collaborative, in partnership with the Alabama STEM Council, is thrilled to join the Invention Convention Worldwide family to bring invention education opportunities to youth in Alabama,” said Mary Lou Ewald, director of the STEM Outreach Center for Auburn University’s College of Science and Mathematics. The Alabama STEM Council advises state officials on ways to improve STEM education, career awareness and workforce development across the state, with the iSTEM collaborative network serving as the vehicle for bringing accessible and innovative programs to youth across Alabama. Ewald remarked, “The rapid growth of high-tech industry in Alabama in sectors such as automotive, aerospace and biotechnology has created an urgent need to educate the current and future workforce in critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Invention Convention Alabama is the ideal program to teach these skills and we have assembled an incredible implementation team representing Auburn University, Southern Research, Dauphin Island Sea Lab and East Alabama Works to make it happen across the state.”
Invention Convention Worldwide impacts over 180,000 students across 24 states. This recent expansion moves us toward our goal of having an affiliate program in all 50 states.
Find a program in your state and join our mission to encourage student innovation!
If you’d like to learn how you can bring Invention Convention to your state, please contact Melissa Frey at MelissaF@thehenryford.org for more information.
Bringing Young Innovators Together
Winning inventors and entrepreneurs are invited to compete at these prestigious, high-profile annual events.
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