Sponsor Spotlight: State of Ohio

Every child deserves to build the skills they need to reach their potential. This belief has driven the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® to deliver hands-on invention education programs to schools and districts across the country for more than 35 years.

As a nonprofit, the Hall of Fame relies on our sponsors to help the programs we develop at our headquarters in North Canton, Ohio, reach as many children as possible.

The State of Ohio generously supports our education programs, offering students valuable opportunities to build an innovative mindset and future-ready skills. Sen. Bill Reineke, who serves as the Ohio Senate president pro tempore, recently shared his thoughts on the importance of ensuring Ohio’s children have access to the Hall of Fame’s programs.

Preparing Ohio’s Future Workforce

One of the ways in which the State of Ohio invests in its next leaders and innovators is by supporting children’s access to Camp Invention^®. Since 1990, educators and families across the country have trusted the National Inventors Hall of Fame’s flagship summer STEM program to provide K-6 students with unique opportunities to engage in hands-on exploration, problem solving and invention.

“Ohio is proud to be home to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, a nationally recognized organization that inspires the next generation of innovators,” Reineke said. “Through the state's support of Camp Invention, more than 1,000 Ohio students gain hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and entrepreneurship, helping develop the skilled workforce that will drive Ohio's future economy.”

Each year, the National Inventors Hall of Fame delivers an all-new Camp Invention curriculum that is directly influenced by our Hall of Fame Inductees and designed by our team of education experts. Every new experience at camp instills essential skills like creative problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and STEM skills, preparing students to thrive, not only in school but also in their future careers.

“By exposing students to STEM concepts at an early age through engaging, hands-on experiences, these programs strengthen Ohio's talent pipeline while inspiring the next generation of inventors, entrepreneurs and community leaders,” Reineke explained. “Investing in these opportunities benefits not only individual students but also Ohio's long-term economic competitiveness and innovation ecosystem.”

Camp Invention is proven to make a meaningful, lasting difference for students who participate. In fact, just one week of Camp Invention results in significant short- and long-term improvements in creativity, STEM interest, collaboration and problem solving. When children attend more than once, they show even higher gains than those with limited or no previous experience.

Looking to the future, Reineke said, “As Ohio continues to attract major investments in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, energy and other high-tech industries, it's essential that we prepare today's students for tomorrow's workforce. Early STEM education builds the foundation in critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and teamwork that employers consistently seek. These investments strengthen our workforce pipeline, support long-term economic growth and help ensure Ohio companies can find the talented employees they need right here at home.”

Reineke noted that the State of Ohio prioritizes strengthening career-technical education, so that students are better prepared for high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, engineering, energy and technology. “The Senate has also prioritized workforce development efforts that connect education more directly to industry needs, ensuring Ohio employers can access a strong talent pipeline and giving students the resources to help them find their purpose,” he said.

Introducing Innovative Role Models

A vital part of helping students find their purpose is giving them opportunities to identify relatable, innovative role models. All National Inventors Hall of Fame programs introduce learners to some of the world’s greatest role models — our Hall of Fame Inductees.

“Innovative role models are important because they make creativity and achievement feel attainable,” said Reineke. “When children see real people who are inventing and turning ideas into impact, it helps them picture themselves doing the same thing. Those examples can spark confidence and curiosity, showing students that their ideas are valuable, and that persistence and imagination can lead to meaningful contributions in their communities and future careers.”

Reineke sees value in boosting children’s self-confidence and “inspiring students to see themselves as innovators from an early age.” As children learn how many different patent-holding inventors have changed our lives and shaped our society, they begin to recognize their own unique potential and feel motivated to make their own innovative mark on the world.

Not only is every Camp Invention experience inspired by the lessons and stories of Hall of Fame Inductees, but often, Inductees also are featured in inspiring videos that directly challenge children to develop their own solutions to real-world problems as they explore their identity as inventors and innovators.

Seeing Invention Education in Action

As the State of Ohio continues to invest in National Inventors Hall of Fame education programs, Reineke has seen the impact of the state’s support firsthand. In July 2026, Reineke visited a Camp Invention program in Tiffin, Ohio. Watching students engage in active, hands-on learning, he said he was impressed with “the level of confidence and creativity students showed when they were given open-ended challenges and trusted to solve them on their own or in teams.”

Each day at Camp Invention, children take part in hands-on investigation and invention, exploring a wide array of STEM concepts in fun and engaging ways. As they bring their ideas to life by building invention prototypes, just like Hall of Fame Inductees, children learn to see STEM and invention as both exciting and achievable.

“What stood out most was the excitement and confidence the campers displayed as they tackled real-world challenges through hands-on problem solving,” Reineke shared. “It was inspiring to see every child feel empowered to think like an inventor, and to think and say things outside the box.”

In addition to observing students’ growing confidence, Reineke appreciated how students built and applied skills that will serve them well in Ohio’s evolving workforce. “Every industry needs individuals who can think critically, adapt to new challenges and work effectively with others to develop solutions,” he said. “Camp Invention helps students build those skills early by encouraging them to test ideas, learn from setbacks and work as a team.”

Learn More

The National Inventors Hall of Fame is grateful for the State of Ohio’s commitment to investing in the next generation and building a more innovative future. To learn more, visit ohio.gov.