Unleashing the Inner Inventor: Inside the Henry Ford’s Invention Convention

Here at Make48, we're all about fostering that spark of ingenuity, the drive to tinker, create, and solve problems. That's why we were so excited to dive into the world of the Henry Ford’s Invention Convention Worldwide, a program that's cultivating the next generation of innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs. We recently had the chance to chat with Pat Hurley, Manager of Education Marketing at The Henry Ford, to get the inside scoop on this inspiring program.

Group photo of many students at Henry Ford's Invention Convention — Henry Ford’s Invention Convention

What we discovered was a vibrant ecosystem that goes beyond just a competition. The Henry Ford’s Invention Convention Worldwide, with roots tracing back to the STEMIE Coalition, has blossomed into a nationwide network of 24 affiliates, reaching young minds in a remarkable 27 states. Their core philosophy? Empower kids to identify the problems they want to solve.

"That's really one of the, I think, secret sauces of our program," Pat explained. Unlike traditional STEM challenges with predefined tasks, the Invention Convention encourages students to look at the world around them with an empathetic eye, pinpointing issues faced by their friends, families, or communities. This personal connection fuels their inventive journey.

More Than Just Building: A Journey of Discovery

The program isn't just about the final product; it's deeply rooted in a seven-step invention process. From breaking down the problem and conducting research to ideating, evaluating, and prototyping, students learn a valuable framework for tackling any challenge. And it's not limited to hardcore STEM projects! Pat shared a heartwarming story of a young winner who invented an ice cream cone designed to catch drips – proving that innovation can be found in the everyday.

From Classroom to Community Impact

While the program thrives in K-12 classrooms through partnerships with universities like Auburn, Purdue, and Georgia Tech, it's also expanding its reach into after-school programs and even libraries. The goal is clear: to make innovation accessible to all young learners.

The impact extends far beyond the individual participants. Local affiliate events, often open to the public, generate community excitement and media attention. And the ultimate aim? To instill lifelong problem-solving skills. As Pat emphasized, "Our hope... is that a lot of those kids will go on to continue thinking about project-based learning and problem-solving, even if it's not under the auspices of invention convention throughout the rest of their lives."

Growing the Future of Innovation

The program is on an impressive growth trajectory, with a goal to reach all 50 states. This includes developing resources for underserved areas and even launching a direct-to-student learning initiative. They're also leveraging the influence of figures like Global STEM Ambassador Jay Flores and collaborating with media outlets to amplify the stories of these young innovators.

One particularly inspiring aspect is their Student Ambassador program, featuring alumni like Nathaniel Wellen, who took his invention all the way to Shark Tank! These young role models are inspiring the next wave of creators.

Get Involved and Unleash Your Inner Inventor!

The Henry Ford’s Invention Convention offers a powerful platform for young people to develop crucial skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and even entrepreneurship. And the best part? Their resources are free and accessible on the inHub website.

As Pat passionately stated, "You find the problem, you look at the world around and identify things that you think need to be fixed, and then you go through the process of coming up with a solution."

At Make48, we believe in the power of making and innovation at all ages. The Henry Ford’s Invention Convention is a fantastic example of how to nurture that spirit in young minds. We encourage educators, parents, and young innovators alike to explore this incredible program and unlock their potential to change the world, one invention at a time!

Learn more about the Henry Ford’s Invention Convention and find your local affiliate here: [https://inhub.thehenryford.org/icw/find_a_program]

What problems do you see around you that need solving? What inventions would you like to bring to life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!