The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Initiative has been supporting high school students as they use hands-on problem solving to address real world problems since 2003. Teams incorporate STEM concepts into working prototypes based on collaboration with potential users. Fifteen teams have even received a patent for their inventions.
Grant applications are now open for InvenTeams preparing to compete during the 2023-2024 school year. Ten teams will be chosen to receive $7,500 to fund their work and present it at EurekaFest in June 2024. The initial application is due by April 27, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Finalists will be invited to submit a full application which will be due by Sept 5, 2023, at 11:59 PM ET.
Eligibility
This grant is open to STEM educators in the United States who work with high school aged students. This includes licensed teachers and informal teachers from nonprofits who work with a school. Educators from other disciplines are encouraged to serve as assistant mentors to a team.
Applicants are not required to have a team of students in place to submit part one of the application. You do however, need to have a recruitment plan.
Priorities
In 2023, Lemelson-MIT is making addressing historic inequities a priority. They recognize that women, BIPOC individuals, and low income people have been and still are underrepresented in the world of inventions. Applications from educators who work with any of these marginalized groups and/or teach at a school with a high percentage of disenfranchised students will be given preference.
Requirements
- All adults who will be working with minors must have cleared a background check in the past 5 years.
- A letter of support from an administrator must be submitted with the initial application in April. You will request a letter as part of the application on Survey Monkey Apply and they will email your administrator.
- A resume for the Primary Applicant must be uploaded to the initial application.
- Students must be involved in preparing the second part of the application, due in September.
Assistance
Lemelson-MIT will host four webinars on Zoom before the April deadline. All sessions will be held at 7 PM ET.
- March 7th
- March 21st
- April 4th
- April 18th
Further questions can be sent to inventeams@mit.edu.
