CT Invention Convention Summer Camp for Middle School Students

Summer Camps and Programs for Students

In partnership with the Connecticut Invention Convention, middle school students from across the US will have the opportunity to dive deep into the invention and entrepreneurship process, from problem definition through ideation to a design and prototype. The camp will culminate with the exciting Invention Convention event where students will present their inventions. Students will leave the camp with their invention, a prototype, a provisional patent, and the possibility to be invited to compete in the state finals in 2023!

Apply By May 30

Overview

Invention Convention is a global invention education program focused on teaching youth problem-solving, entrepreneurship and creativity skills. Their approach provides an engaging and interactive experience to help students gain the confidence and skills they can use for life. In this summer program for middle school students, QU faculty are partnering with the CT Invention Convention to offer a unique and exciting summer camp experience on QU’s Mount Carmel Campus in our School of Computing and Engineering.

Over the span of 2 weeks, students will develop creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills through STEM experiential learning, invention projects and entrepreneurship challenges. Students will follow a framework of the innovation process. From problem definition to ideation to engineering design through to prototype, the program enables students to understand invention at a fundamental level and its importance in our everyday lives. At the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to present their invention at our very own Invention Convention and return home with their invention, a prototype and a provisional patent.

Learn more about Connecticut Invention Convention

At the end of this program, you will walk away with:

The skills, techniques and confidence to identify and solve real-world problems around you
Entrepreneurial, engineering design and creativity skills that can be applied in your everyday life and across academic disciplines
Hands-on experience with the innovation process and your own invention, prototype and provisional patent

Program Costs

Two-week program includes these two options which are:

Option 1: Residential overnight option, includes full room & board, as well as evening and weekend activities: $3,360
Option 2: Weekday commuter student (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) lunch included: $1,500

Both options include:

Two weeks of programming that are faculty-designed and delivered
All program materials
All QU technology and software support
Quinnipiac T-shirt
Certificate of completion
Special QU Admissions events

Partial financial support may be available for those who indicate the need for financial assistance in their online application. Financial support awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.

Schedule

Session 1: July 11-22, 2022
- Sunday, July 10: Residence check-in for participants with full room & board
- Saturday, July 23: Residence check-out for participants with full room & board
Session 2: August 1-12, 2022
- Sunday, July 31: Residence check-in for participants with full room & board
- Saturday, August 13: Residence check-out for participants with full room & board

Sample Daily Schedule

Time	Activity	Detail
9 a.m.	Morning Intro	Introduce the day’s theme and play a fun, motivating group game to start the day!
10 a.m.	Group Lesson Time	Instructors lead students through interactive lessons, discussions, and hands-on activities designed to teach the day’s core skill.
Noon	Lunch	Eat and socialize with your classmates.
1 p.m.	Group Lesson Time	Instructors lead students through interactive lessons, discussions, and hands-on activities designed to teach the day’s core skill.
2 p.m.	Individual Project Work Block	It’s time to work on your invention! Students will be guided through the steps of the innovation process throughout the program.
3:30 p.m.	End-of-Day Review and Debrief Meeting	A chance to reflect and discuss the day as well as look to the days ahead.
4 p. m.	Dismissal	Dismissal for commuter students. Overnight students can rest and relax until dinner.
5 p.m.	Dinner	Dinner will be provided for those students with full room and board.
6 p.m.	Evening Activities (Group Recreation, Games, Guest Speakers, Independent and Group Enrichment Projects)	The evening is reserved for overnight students to have fun, experience our on-campus amenities, and bond with each other and staff through organized group enrichment activities.
9 p.m.	Quiet Time

Participation Requirements

Participants must be:

A current middle school student who has not started high school yet
10 to 14 years of age at the start of the program

All necessary equipment will be provided.

Due dates to apply and pay

Deadline to apply: Monday, May 30, 2022
Space is limited per session and enrollment is based on when a deposit payment is received.

Payment deadline: Payment is due within 21 days of applying to fully register for a program.
Payment Methods and Refund/Cancellation Policy

Apply Now

Maker Space Innovation Hub

Exterior of the Maker Space with wall branding

You bring the ideas. We’ll supply the rest.

The Maker Space offers a creative outlet and innovative environment that encourages collaboration while enhancing your communication, organization and problem-solving skills. This collaborative space is equipped with a wide range of technology, tools and materials to help focus your creative energy and strategize your project production, including:

3D printers
3D scanners
CNC router
Embroidery and sewing machines
Foam cutter
Heat press
Laser cutter/engraver
PCB maker
Vinyl cutters
Vacuum former
Welding simulator

Learn more about the Maker Space

Contact Us

Summer experiences

For more general information about summer experiences, please contact:

David Charron, MBA
Director of Summer Programs & Planning
203-582-7558
summerprograms@qu.edu

Courses for college credit

For questions about for-credit summer courses, please contact:

One Stop
203-582-8650
onestop@qu.edu

Accommodations

Quinnipiac University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as an institution of higher education. Students who have a current IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to share any accommodations or modifications they may require in order to access the fundamentals of a QU summer program or camp they plan to attend.

Students requesting disability-based accommodations should indicate this within the application as well as email summerprograms@qu.edu about any and all specific accommodation needs.

Rules & Regulations

Read Quinnipiac University’s Summer Camp and Pre-College Program Policies for 2022