Inspiring Role Models for Young Leaders

To build confidence in our dreams, we must first believe they are possible. At the National Inventors Hall of Fame^®, we know that role models empower us all to set big goals and follow our curiosity.

Students in grades 7-9 who take part in our Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program are introduced to world-changing role models – our Hall of Famers! As an LIT, you also can become a positive role model to K-6 Camp Invention^® campers as you guide them through high-energy STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) experiences and encourage their innovative ideas.

Read below to uncover a few awesome innovators who will motivate you to be the best role model you can be!

What Do Hall of Famers Say About Role Models?

Many of the world’s great inventors were not born with a passion for invention, and they certainly weren’t born with a big idea or the answer to a major problem. Chances are that their innovative thinking was inspired by role models in their lives.

From parents to teachers to famous inventors, role models are all around us. We can see this in how our Hall of Famers speak about those who motivated them to shine their brightest.

Role models inspire us to persist through challenges and setbacks.

“Perseverance is the one thing that makes the difference. You don’t fail until you give up.” 
— Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker^®

Role models remind you to let your curiosity guide you to discoveries.

“I think what encourages curiosity in kids is asking questions of them, finding out what they are passionate about, what are they curious about. What kinds of wonders do they have about the world they live in? For each person, I think the answers are different or the questions they want to answer are different.” 
— Jennifer Doudna, co-inventor of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing with Emmanuelle Charpentier

Role models motivate you to believe you have the power to create a brighter future.

“Why is problem solving so fun and interesting? Well, it has that pleasure associated with actually changing the world.” 
— R. Rox Anderson, inventor of laser dermatology

Role models remind you that you are capable as you are.

“What was remarkable about my childhood was that I had such supportive parents who never discouraged me from having ambition. They never told me that girls weren’t supposed to go into chemistry.” 
— Gertrude Elion, inventor of anti-leukemia drugs

How Do We Promote Role Models at Camp Invention?

In every National Inventors Hall of Fame education program, we want kids to believe they can change the world. So, throughout every experience, we integrate insights and encouragement from those who already have — our Hall of Famers.

The stories and lessons of these confident creators show that you are capable of achieving awesome feats too. As you continue your leadership or innovative journey, be sure to seek out mentors and role models who will encourage you to keep dreaming big, and remember to lift up others whenever you can along the way!

Find Your Role Model This Summer

LITs at Camp Invention gain the opportunity to develop strong leadership skills and learn about impactful STEM role models while fueling campers’ dreams.

Is your teen registered for this awesome opportunity? Secure their spot now by signing them up to become an LIT at a camp near you!