1) A LEARNING TOOL - The Invention Convention is designed to 1) help kids master life skills, 2) to recognize their imaginations and ideas, and 3) to learn the process of solving problems - all of which are life-long skills. When kids are shown that they are capable of doing great things, when they realize they can think and have the ability to solve their own problems, they have taken one of the first steps necessary to becoming an adult. The Invention Convention removes barriers giving them "Yes's" in a world of "No's" and then helps them shine.

2) RECOGNIZING AND REWARDING KIDS - The Invention Convention was created to celebrate the accomplishments of kids. In today's world, too much of the 'news' about kids is negative. We need good news, positive examples, and to hear about some of the wonderful things that kids do. Kids are extraordinary. In most cases, the mind of a child is a foundation of exploration and discovery. And when we ask them, and encourage them to use their creativity and imagination, kids can do extraordinary things. The Invention Convention encourages their exploration and rewards their accomplishments. Our kids have done great things and we want the world to know about it. The real goal is the journey and the skills that the kids learn along the way. The media supports and showcases their achievement with positive stories and highlights these kids as role models for kids.

3) A FUN AND USEFUL PROGRAM - Creating is playing (not in the traditional sense) and mastering skills. The imagination has no boundaries, and when kids are encouraged to dream the benefits are endless. Inventing is a journey, a process of discovery. When kids invent and take their own idea and create something from it, there is a real sense of accomplishment. It becomes fun to succeed, it becomes fun to learn. And if kids work as a team, they learn teamwork and experience the excitement of building something together. They can feel the momentum of their group moving towards a common goal, and learn that their input into a team helps build better ideas.

Inventing is usually a series of experiments - 'failed experiments.' When kids understand that a failed experiment isn't a reflection on them, they become resilient and develop a strong sense of self. Tests fail, experiments fail - it doesn't mean that the person has. People learn from experiences, 'mistakes' which are important steps in the learning and innovation process. "White-out" was a 'mistake,' Teflon was a 'mistake,' trying is not a mistake.

The Invention Convention is a proven tool that teaches kids to think. It helps kids learn, and learn to solve problems by exercising the mind. And it is a fun exercise. This program not only energizes the gifted and talented students but it can help reach the hard to reach students. The competition inspires, nurtures and energizes while it teaches and rewards. Watching a child describe an idea they created is magical. Every student who participates in the Invention Convention is already a winner and receives participation certificates and ribbons. Each student talks with two adult Honorary Judges which is a brief moment that creates a lifelong memory for the child, parents, grandparents and siblings. For a few weeks in the child's life, their imagination and ideas take center stage within their family and the child is celebrated for what they have dreamed up.