Helping Your Child Find the Right Role Models

Introducing healthy and inspiring role models is one of the most beneficial things a parent can do to help children succeed. In fact, research from Opportunity Insights shows that when children are exposed to relatable innovators at an early age, they are more likely to become innovative adults.

At the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® (NIHF), we understand how role models can fuel the dreams and aspirations of those who look up to them. This is why our education programs are designed to integrate insights and encouragement directly from our NIHF Inductees — world-changing inventors who have made significant contributions to society.

Read below to discover how NIHF education programs can introduce your child to some incredible role models!

Experiences Shaped by Innovators

We pride ourselves on working directly with our Inductees to develop our program curricula. Not only does this provide your child with relevant real-world experiences and open-ended exploration of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concepts, but it also helps them to develop a stronger connection with the innovators they’re learning about each day.

Hall of Famers including Jim West, co-inventor of the electret microphone, have closely collaborated with our team of education experts to develop curricula for programs like Camp Invention^®, NIHF’s flagship K-6 summer program.

Each summer, Camp Invention offers a new program filled with hands-on experiences inspired and influenced not only by our Hall of Famers, but also by Collegiate Inventors Competition^® (CIC) Finalists — some of the brightest and most creative college students from across the country.

Former CIC Finalist Arlyne Simon, a biomedical engineer, inventor, author and entrepreneur, encourages NIHF program participants to recognize their own innovative potential in this heartfelt letter.

By featuring the lessons and stories of a diverse array of accomplished creators, innovators and entrepreneurs, NIHF education programs show children what they too are capable of achieving.

Inspiring Inductee Visits

Another exciting way NIHF can inspire your child is by facilitating Inductee visits to Camp Invention sites around the country. During these visits, Inductees participate in hands-on activities with campers, conduct one-on-one “meet and greets” and share stories about their careers.

Meeting these inspiring inventors in person allows children to authentically engage with them in a whole new way and provides them with a valuable experience that will remain with them long after their time at camp is over.

"I love to listen to the kids describe their invention — not just to look at what they’ve built, but to listen to how they describe their invention,” said NIHF Inductee Steve Sasson, inventor of the digital camera, during a visit to Camp Invention at Mendon Center Elementary School in Pittsford, New York. “You can see what's going on inside their head. It's liberating to see that enthusiastic, free-thinking problem solving."

Learn More About How NIHF Promotes Positive Role Models

To learn more about how we’re introducing children to innovative role models, we encourage you to visit our website.