People of Play will host another Young Inventor Challenge on Nov. 4. The Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) is a competition in which children ages 6-18 can pitch their designs for original toys and games to industry professionals, major companies, the general public, and members of the media.
The challenge is a STEM-accredited educational experience, as it encourages young minds to be creative and employ both critical thinking and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) skills while inventing. The Young Inventor Challenge focuses on the skills used to embark on an innovative journey.
Participants will expand on their STEAM education and learn how to research ideas, create a successful product pitches, and understand the details of design.
“In today’s fast-paced, technologically driven world, STEM/STEAM education has never been more critical,” says Andrew Raupp, Executive Director of STEM.org Educational Research. “The importance of fostering hands-on, tactile creativity cannot be understated. YIC, and competitions of its ilk, serve as a poignant reminder that the act of creation, the thrill of invention, remains timeless.”
Founder and President of People of Play Mary Couzin also understands the influence of STEAM products. “Recent partnerships with the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) and Happy Camper Live — a company that brings the fun of summer camp to kids 365 days a year — have more than quadrupled our impact on kids,” Cousin says. “The Young Inventor Challenge events inspire kids, but also connect them with professional mentors in multiple fields, who can instill in these young innovators a life-long love of honing their science, technology, engineering, and math skills.”
Since the competition started more than 17 years ago, a number of Young Inventor Challenge winners have received licenses from leading game and toy manufacturers. This has resulted in more than $20 million in retail sales.
The Young Inventors Challenge is sponsored by Mattel, Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, Boogie Board, and Reyn Guyer Games. The competition will take place in Rosemont, Illinois, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
