Supporting invention and entrepreneurship education for US K-12 students and creating a community of practice through real-world problem solving
The STEMIE Coalition (STEM + Invention + Entrepreneurship), a division of The Henry Ford, is a global alliance of organizations teaching students real-world problem-solving and creative skills through Invention Education and entrepreneurship activities.
Created in 2015, STEMIE is today an umbrella organization of 600 K-12 youth invention and entrepreneurship programs across the U.S. supporting curriculum resources, convenings, national competitions and community building. It trains over 100,000 students annually across nearly all 50 states in invention and entrepreneurship skills, and trains more than 2,500 teachers annually in how to teach innovation to students.
STEMIE is raising the profile of youth-driven invention and entrepreneurship at a national level and developing a community of invention education practice.
It’s two main programs include:
National Invention Convention (NIC):
NIC is the first national, annual celebration of K-12 inventors from across the U.S., hosted by STEMIE’s parent organization, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. It is a live, in-person opportunity for youth inventors and entrepreneurs to display their critical thinking skills through inventing, innovating and participating in entrepreneurial activities.
NIC reaches students across the country, with a focus on increased participation and representation of girls and underserved and minority communities.
Invention Convention Curriculum:
STEMIE provides an open-access Invention Education curriculum resource presented by Stanley Black & Decker. It is divided into four grade ranges – K-2; 3-5; 6-8 and 9-12 – and follows the 7 steps of the Invention Process: Identifying, Understanding, Ideating, Designing, Building, Testing and Communicating.