Invention Convention U.S. Nationals isn’t just a showcase of brilliant student ideas — it’s a launchpad for bold thinking, unshakable confidence and lifelong curiosity. Across the buzzing exhibits at The Henry Ford, young inventors weren’t just presenting prototypes — they were building something even more powerful: belief in themselves.
"Participating in Invention Convention helped me learn how to speak publicly," said Nicole T., a student from Norwalk, Connecticut. “That’s something I used to struggle with. Now, I feel much more confident explaining my ideas.” Nicole’s invention journey included multiple presentations and real-time feedback from judges. But the real win? A newfound voice.
That growth didn’t happen in isolation. Educators, mentors and family members helped guide students through the ups and downs of creative development. Jessie Matthews, an educator from Kansas, sees Invention Convention as a space that pushes students outside of their comfort zones — in the best way.
“There’s always a little nervous energy leading up to Nationals,” Jessie shared. “But once students realize that their ideas matter, they really shine. They learn to think differently, to approach problems from angles they hadn’t considered before. That’s where the confidence starts to kick in.”
When Failure Fuels Growth
Of course, invention isn’t a straight line. Mistakes are inevitable — and valuable. As Anna Baralt, Dean of Faculty and Curriculum at Shorecrest Preparatory School in Florida, puts it: “The best learning comes out of failure.”
At her school, Anna has seen how invention education allows students to take risks without fear. “When we use the word ‘failure’ in schools, some parents get nervous. But it’s such a critical part of growth. We try to give our students the space to experiment, to get it wrong, and to try again.”
That mindset was clear on the convention floor. Young inventors, some just five or six years old, passionately explained their ideas — many of which had evolved significantly through trial and error. Their stories weren’t polished fairy tales; they were real narratives of resilience and iteration.
The Power of Being Heard
Beyond the inventions themselves, what stood out most to many attendees was the sense of validation students received. Anna reflected on this: “Seeing a kindergartner explain her project with that level of excitement — it sends a message that their ideas are important. That they can make a difference.”
This validation builds more than just confidence — it builds identity. For many young inventors, this event was the first time they truly felt seen as problem solvers, as creators, as thinkers. It’s an identity that sticks.
Looking Ahead: What Educators Can Do
So, what does this all mean for educators and program leaders? Jessie suggests making space for invention-style learning, even in busy school calendars.
“You don’t need a full program to get started,” she said. “Begin with a design challenge, or set aside time for student-led problem-solving. Give students materials and a question, and let them surprise you.”
Anna agrees. Her school is expanding its invention offerings after seeing how transformative the experience can be. “Being at Nationals energized me,” she said. “It reminded me why we do this work.”
More Than a Moment
Nicole, who dreams of becoming an engineer, said it best: “Invention Convention isn’t just about one invention. It’s about learning how to think differently. That’s something I’ll take with me forever.”
Invention education builds more than just devices — it builds inventive mindsets. Whether students go on to be engineers, artists, teachers or entrepreneurs, the skills they’re learning — resilience, creativity, collaboration — will serve them for life.
And perhaps most importantly, it teaches them that their ideas matter.
Learn More and Get Involved
Ready to bring invention education to your classroom or community? Discover free resources that make it easy to get started, including the Invention Convention Curriculum, designed to inspire creativity and problem-solving at every grade level. Explore the Invention Convention Worldwide network to find a local program, connect with peers, and see how invention education can ignite confidence and curiosity in your students.
Bringing Young Innovators Together
Winning inventors and entrepreneurs are invited to compete at these prestigious, high-profile annual events.
Competitions