Connecticut Invention Convention

The Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC) is an award winning, internationally recognized, 501(c)(3) educational organization started in 1983 as part of the Connecticut Educators Network for the Talented and Gifted, but today is open to all K-8 students in all schools and school groups across Connecticut. The program is designed to develop, encourage, and enhance critical thinking and creative problem solving skills through invention and entrepreneurship. Invention provides students with a unique means to discover new skill sets and creatively apply these in real-life settings while nurturing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The CIC curriculum is standards-based and enables students to research, analyze and effectively focus on and solve their real-life problems. The annual convention also gives many students and parents an introduction to careers in engineering with exhibits staffed by UConn's students and professors which showcase engineering subjects, including civil, mechanical and chemical engineering – helping students discover engineering and science as real possible careers, definitely within reach. Since our inception, an estimated 300,000 children, K-8, have experienced local and regional CIC invention programs. Annually the CIC serves more than 17,000 students in grades K - 8 across Connecticut from over 250+ participating Connecticut schools. Of this number, close to 1,000 of the best student inventors join us at the state convention held at the University of Connecticut and a select number of them will be invited to attend the national invention convention in Washington, DC. The program is run by a small staff which works closely with the CIC Working Board of Directors and is supported through private and public contributions.

Mission: Our mission is to provide the children of Connecticut with opportunities to develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through invention and innovation, instilling the creative spirit in students today and for the rest of their lives. Our goal is to have every child, in every school become an inventor at least once, better twice.

Website: ctinventionconvention.org

Address: PO Box 230311, Hartford, CT 06123