How Camp Invention puts “America’s Strategy for STEM Education” into Action
In December 2018, under the direction of the National Science & Technology Council, the Committee on STEM Education released Crafting a Course for Success: America’s Strategy for STEM Education, a report outlining America’s five-year strategy for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.
The report makes our nation’s goals clear: “All Americans will have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education and the United States will be the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment.”
We at the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) began our STEM education strategy back in 1990 when we launched our Camp Invention® program. Since that time, we’ve expanded our educational offerings, and now offer seven unique education programs ranging from PreK to the collegiate level. We have also had the opportunity to impact over 2.2 million children, educators, college students and inventors. As our flagship program, Camp Invention sets itself apart by offering a new curriculum each year impacting over 130,000 students across all 50 states.
Let’s take a look at how Camp Invention aligns with each of the three major goals outlined in the Committee’s report and continues to develop the next generation of innovators.
Build Strong Foundations for STEM Literacy
Mastering basic STEM concepts, attaining digital literacy and learning how to use creative problem-solving skills are crucial to helping people adapt to the rapid evolution of technology. The report explains that the best time to learn basic STEM concepts is during elementary and secondary school, allowing students to build prerequisite knowledge essential for advanced learning and technical workplace training. Camp Invention supports this goal by introducing K-6 students to foundational STEM concepts such as creative problem solving, entrepreneurship and iterative design.
Increase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in STEM
Our nation calls for educators to provide all Americans with access to high-quality STEM education, and to ensure historically underserved and underrepresented populations are able to pursue careers in STEM. Each year, NIHF’s education programs support over 45,000 underserved children. We seek to address the lack of diversity in STEM fields by introducing students to a diverse range of NIHF Inductees and positioning them as innovative role models through our My Innovation Icon initiative. This exposure to world-changing inventors is critical. Recent research from Opportunity Insights found that such exposure greatly increases the likelihood children will grow up to become innovators themselves.
Prepare the STEM Workforce for the Future
This goal challenges the country to create authentic learning experiences that will excite students and encourage them to consider STEM careers. Considering our country’s growing shortage of STEM graduates, it is crucial to maintain a child’s interest in STEM as they age. One of the most effective ways to do this is for educators to show students the real-world applications of what they’re learning. Camp Invention’s curriculum is infused with lessons from successful innovators, ensuring that every activity provides participants with real-world significance and relevancy.
Find Out More About Our Education Programs
As the nation’s report makes clear, it will take a group effort to transform our country’s STEM workforce. By focusing on early STEM education, engaging children in innovative learning, and preparing them for potential STEM careers, we can transform our economy into one that’s innovative, adaptable and eager to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges.
For more information about NIHF’s full range of educational offerings, please visit our website!