The Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC) is an award winning, internationally recognized, 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational program designed to develop and enhance critical thinking skills in children in grades K-12 through invention, innovation and entrepreneurship, while encouraging their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The CIC is the nation’s oldest continuously operating children’s invention education program. Since the 1983-1984 school year, an estimated 300,000 Connecticut students have experienced local CIC invention programs. Annually, more than 17,000 students in grades K-12, from over 275 Connecticut schools, take part in the CIC learning curriculum. Annually, more than 17,000 students in grades K-12, from over 275 Connecticut schools, take part in the CIC learning curriculum and up to 2,400 of them advance to compete in Regional, State, National, and Global Invention Conventions annually. The CIC is funded by sponsorships, grants, and in-kind support from corporations, foundations, and individuals, and academic institutions. Since 2008, the CIC has been on an aggressive expansion plan, growing school participation by more than 200%, expanding its partnership with the University of Connecticut School of Engineering, and adding many new corporate supporters. Want to support the Connecticut Invention Convention? Donate here: https://charity.gofundme.com/donate/charity/ctinventionconvention.