Thank You to the 2022 Camp Invention Partners

At the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® (NIHF), an important part of our mission is to help prepare children to become the innovators of tomorrow by developing invention education programs that will inspire a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.

To reach as many young innovators as possible, we have the privilege of partnering with generous individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations to make a difference for children in underserved or under-resourced communities. These philanthropic partnerships are essential to achieving a shared vision for the future, and we are grateful for their support.

Partners Make a Meaningful Impact in Children’s Lives

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, this year, over 21,000 underserved children received scholarships or financial assistance to participate in an in-person Camp Invention^® or at-home Camp Invention Connect^® program. This early exposure to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) introduces Camp Invention participants to innovative role models — our NIHF Inductees — and bridges the diversity gaps that exist in STEM fields.

Because research suggests children who are exposed to innovation at a young age are more likely to innovate as adults, the authentic integration of NIHF Inductees’ stories and lessons into the Camp Invention curriculum is crucial to demonstrating to all participants their full potential. According to recent research supported by The Lemelson Foundation and Overdeck Family Foundation, attending Camp Invention allows children to discover and build their own inventive identities. These identities include characteristics such as perseverance, problem-solving abilities and positive attitudes toward STEM participation.

We invite you to read below to learn more about a few of our philanthropic partners and the incredible impact they have made this year!

Nordson Corporation Foundation

For more than 20 years, the Nordson Corporation Foundation has proudly supported NIHF. Through its foundation, Nordson donates 5% of U.S. pre-tax profits to support nonprofit organizations across the country. Placing a special focus on improving quality of life and supporting educational causes for the communities in which Nordson operates, during the last financial year alone, the foundation has given 362 grants totaling $6.3 million.

Through this partnership, Nordson has supported more than 20,000 students at Camp Invention and Club Invention^® sites throughout the United States, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

Burton D. Morgan Foundation

Headquartered in Hudson, Ohio, Burton D. Morgan Foundation champions the entrepreneurial spirit, contributes to a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and serves as a leader in the field of entrepreneurship education at large. With the goal of fostering free enterprise through grantmaking, ecosystem building and knowledge sharing, the foundation priority areas include youth entrepreneurship, collegiate entrepreneurship and adult entrepreneurship.

NIHF is grateful for Burton D. Morgan Foundation’s partnership since 2007, providing children with hands-on practice being innovators and entrepreneurs, and teaching them how to value their rights as creators. This year, the foundation impacted 660 students who participated in Camp Invention and Invention Project in Akron Public Schools, Wooster City Schools and Mahoning County schools.

United Way of Summit and Medina

The United Way of Summit and Medina is committed to improving the quality of life for residents of Ohio’s Summit and Medina counties by supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, youth educational development, financial empowerment and health programs.

One of the organization’s four broad goals is to help 65% of Akron Public Schools third graders to read at or above their grade level. Participation in NIHF education programs supports this goal by helping reengage students through hands-on curricula. Since 2017, NIHF has been proud to partner with the United Way of Summit and Medina, and this year the organization has helped to support nearly 200 participants at Helen Arnold, Robinson and McEbright Community Learning Centers in Akron, Ohio.

Thank You to All Our Amazing Partners!

We would like to sincerely thank all our 2022 Camp Invention donors for generously supporting the next generation of innovators.