Kids use only recycled materials to create their inventions and learn about the importance of protecting the environment. Together, we're "creating the best future" today! STEM is everywhere. It shapes our everyday experiences and is designing our future. It opens the doors to strategic thinking, creative expression and the best careers. At the YMCA, young people have numerous opportunities to lea
rn, play and be inspired through STEM. The YMCA's THINGAMAJIG® Invention Convention is just one example of how the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington embraces STEM education. Originally created by Janice Williams, Senior Vice President of Program Development, as a way to spark the inventive and creative minds of DC children through hands-on exhibits and challenges. Twenty-two years later, Thingamajig® keeps getting bigger and better. Every year, a diverse group of community leaders join us to share their expertise with the kids: the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, Microsoft, the FAA, Washington Gas, DC Dept. of Public Works, LEGO Lab and MUCH more. With invention challenges, an on-the-spot group challenge and over 50 workshops, kids leave with an experienced understanding of the world, their health and their future. INSPIRING KIDS TO LEARN AND GROW:
Thanks to all of our sponsors, workshop hosts and volunteers for inspiring 4,044 kids to reach for the stars at the 2015 Thingamajig Invention Convention. Through working with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, our Thingamajig® experience is expanding to 10 YMCA's across the country for 2016. Last year, seven YMCA's launched their own STEM conventions. And the White House is taking notice. At the sixth and final White House Science Fair in April, our STEM initiatives were mentioned in a White House press release!
