STEM Young Inventors Award

Young Scholars is excited to launch the STEM Young Inventors Award, celebrating middle school students who use innovation and creativity to build a better future. This competition challenges students to design and prototype an original invention that addresses a real-world issue, from environmental sustainability and public health to social equity and everyday problem-solving. 

Theme: Innovating for a Better World 
Your student's invention should aim to improve lives or solve meaningful challenges in their community or daily life. Think big or small- what matters most is how their idea makes an impact.  

• Please have your student build a prototype of their invention (it does not need to be fully functional, but should clearly demonstrate the idea through design, material, and structure). The prototype can be digital or physical, using any materials they'd like. This can include digital 3D modeling, recycled materials, and repurposed household objects- you name it. Encourage creativity! 

• Please have your student write a description (200-300 words) answering:
   How does your invention work? What problem does it solve? How does it help? 

• List of materials used 

• Video demonstration of the prototype (optional, but highly encouraged) 

• Educator recommendation letter 

• Color headshot suitable for website posting