Sponsor Spotlight: Department of Defense STEM Education Consortium

To inspire and cultivate diverse STEM talent, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) invests in STEM education, outreach and workforce development. The National Inventors Hall of Fame^® is proud to partner with DoD STEM and its Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) to accomplish these shared goals.

DSEC was launched in 2019 as a collaborative partnership of STEM-focused organizations dedicated to prioritizing the nation’s STEM talent. The National Inventors Hall of Fame supports the DoD STEM Strategic Plan, which outlines how the DoD works with educational partners to reach students and educators across the country to strengthen STEM literacy and leadership.

“DoD STEM is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators. As the largest federal employer of STEM professionals, DoD employs more than 300,000 scientists, engineers and skilled technical workers,” explained DoD STEM Director Louie Lopez.

Read on to learn more about these collaborative efforts to provide the next generation of STEM leaders with accessible, hands-on learning opportunities.

Working Together Toward an Innovative Future

DoD STEM and the National Inventors Hall of Fame share a commitment to supporting experiential STEM learning and promoting relatable STEM role models.

All National Inventors Hall of Fame education programs, including the nationwide Camp Invention^® summer program, are built on the knowledge that active, hands-on learning is both more engaging and more effective than passive learning methods. Additionally, because these programs are inspired and directly influenced by Hall of Fame Inductees, each hands-on experience offers unique opportunities to identify innovative role models who represent a variety of fields and backgrounds.

Children who attend Camp Invention in communities near military facilities also have the unique opportunity to meet DoD scientists and engineers who look like them, work nearby and can share information about careers in STEM. This is an important part of what makes the Hall of Fame’s work with the Consortium so impactful — the opportunity to help children build confidence through hands-on experiences while identifying diverse role models who allow them to see their own potential.

“The experience fueled creativity and knowledge that anything can be invented by anyone.”   
— Candice C., Temple, Texas

“Camp Invention was the perfect way to spend the last week of summer vacation. My kindergartner and third grader grew confidence in STEM and continue to build more inventions. Thanks for fueling their creativity!”   
— Helen S., Alexandria, Virginia

“My son couldn't stop talking about his experiences at camp. He talks nonstop about the things they built and the friends he made. Thank you for reigniting my son's interest in STEM!”   
— Yvonne A., Highland Park, Illinois

Making STEM Education More Accessible, in More Places

DoD STEM has made it a priority to provide effective, accessible STEM learning to underserved children and those from military-connected families.

During the summer of 2024, DSEC’s support is projected to serve more than 1,350 military-connected children. That’s over 1,350 future STEM leaders who will benefit from hands-on experiences designed to help them build the innovative mindset and skills they need to reach their potential.

In addition to supporting at-home learning opportunities through the National Inventors Hall of Fame’s Camp Invention Connect^® program, DSEC is also helping to make in-person Camp Invention experiences available to children in more communities, across the country and even internationally.

Thanks to DSEC’s commitment to empowering young innovators, in summer 2024, children in Hawaii will attend the state’s first fully-funded Camp Invention program, and in partnership with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), a DSEC-funded Camp Invention program will launch at Aukamm Elementary in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Each of these efforts ensures that more children can engage in immersive, inspiring experiences that connect them with their peers, regardless of where they are.

“Being able to attend a camp specifically for STEM and military kids was the perfect way for our children to feel like they truly belonged, while engaging in excellent STEM material.”   
— Karen M., Corpus Christi, Texas

“The ability to do this carefully curated STEM experience at home is a blessing to our child. To connect with them through STEM activities is a whole other level of family bonding and whole-child development. Thank you!”   
— Archana V., Frisco, Texas

“This was the perfect activity to break in a cross-country move when there’s a lot of unknowns. This gave them that confidence to adjust to their new surroundings. It was an awesome experience!”   
— Celia P., Coachella, California

“My daughter had a wonderful week of camp. She looked forward to learning, building, interacting and getting feedback on her creative ideas and others’. Camp has inspired her so much. Thank you so much!”   
— Darrell A., San Antonio, Texas

Learn More About the DoD STEM and DSEC

The National Inventors Hall of Fame thanks DoD STEM for its partnership and support in bringing accessible STEM and invention education to more children. To learn more about how the DoD is shaping the future of STEM, visit its website.