First-Ever Event Will Engage Chicago Youth to Find Solutions to Real-World Challenges

CHICAGO (September 7, 2023) - The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) is set to host its first-ever Inventive Genius Day, a one-of-a-kind event aimed at fostering gender diversity and persistence in STEM fields among young girls and gender-expansive youth.

Taking place on Saturday, September 16, the public event will bring together 400 youth from the South and West sides of Chicago where they will propose creative solutions to real-world challenges, such as flooding and microplastic pollution. Youth groups participating will receive free busing and admission to the Museum. The event is supported by a generous gift from business leader and Griffin MSI Trustee Ann M. Drake.

"Research has shown that 'stereotype threat' can create immense social pressure for young girls and gender-expansive youth, leading them to opt-out of STEM pursuits when faced with challenges," said Dr. Jessica Chavez, the Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee Vice President of Education and Chief Learning and Community Partnership Officer at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. "Inventive Genius Day is one part of the Museum's Girls in STEM program, which is an integral part of our commitment to advancing STEM education, and it recognizes the pressing need to provide continuous support to girls and gender-expansive youth in STEM spaces."

Inventive Genius Day offers a safe and supportive environment for risk-taking, cultivating STEM efficacy, and nurturing persistence in STEM fields. During the event, participants ages 7 to 14—a critical age range where STEM participation often sees a sharp decline—will learn about and develop ideas that aim to solve three intriguing challenges, each rooted in real-world problems: urban flooding, microplastics, and food allergies.

The heart of the day will follow the "learn, design, invent, and pitch" format, where young participants will have the opportunity to present their ideas on a stage with a microphone and lights, encouraging risk-taking and boosting self-confidence. Dedicated science experts and Griffin MSI staff will be on hand to support and guide the youth, offering valuable insights and aligning their ideas with solid scientific principles. Additionally, the Museum will host STEM experts stationed throughout the event, eager to share their own experiences of invention and innovation.

The success of Inventive Genius Day relies heavily on the support of dedicated volunteers, and Griffin MSI is actively seeking science content experts to contribute to this transformative experience. These volunteers will assist youth with the challenges, guiding them with supportive questions and providing scientific knowledge to enhance their ideas. Furthermore, volunteers will share their own career stories, offering tangible examples of how innovation and perseverance can lead to meaningful achievements in STEM fields.

For more information and to get involved as a volunteer, please visit the Inventive Genius Day webpage.