Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on gratitude and the spirit of giving, especially within our school communities across Arizona. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate the power of giving back to our schools and communities, paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future for everyone.
When we invest in local education, we ignite innovation and entrepreneurship while fueling our local economy. One way to measure this impact is through the concept of the Local Multiplier, which highlights the power of spending at locally owned and independent businesses. Your dollars recirculate through the community two to four times more than if spent at large retailers or popular online marketplaces.
As this money flows through our neighborhoods, it generates local wealth, charitable contributions, and job opportunities, creating a vibrant ecosystem of growth and creativity. While the exact amount of recirculated dollars varies, studies by Civic Economics show that supporting local businesses is essential for nurturing a thriving environment where young innovators can flourish.
As Giving Tuesday approaches, our Youth Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement Team continues to explore meaningful ways to give back. Our past and upcoming initiatives to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Arizona include:
- Teaming up with Aspiring Youth Academy to support their Spring Break Camp, where entrepreneurial skills empower the next generation to break the cycle of poverty.
- Supporting Centennial High School’s Interview Prep Day, conducting mock interviews and sharing resume tips to prepare them for the workforce.
- Facilitating design thinking workshops for Hope and a Future, an organization dedicated to help foster youth reach their potential and achieve their dreams.
- Hosting interactive booth activities at the Chandler Innovation Fair, a local event that shows students how STEM skills are applied in the real world.
This Giving Tuesday, consider the gift of elevating innovations made by our K-12 youth by sponsoring or volunteering with our first state K-12 Invention Convention.
Invention Convention Worldwide, a program of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, is a transformative K-12 program that empowers students to identify problems and develop creative solutions while building their confidence in innovation and entrepreneurship. Over 178,000 students nationwide learn to turn their original inventions into practical, real-world applications. Operating at local, regional and national levels across the U.S. and expanding globally, this program nurtures a new generation of young inventors.
Arizona State University is thrilled to partner with Invention Convention Worldwide. This non-profit 501(c)3 organization has a mission to reduce the innovation opportunity gap through convergence education, invention education and entrepreneurial learning. Participants gain the confidence and skills to control their own destinies and help shape a better future for Arizona. Young Arizonans will be inspired to turn their ideas into reality. The J.Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute’s Youth Entrepreneurship Team is excited to host our first state K-12 Invention Convention on Saturday, April 12, 2025. As we prepare for this exciting event, we are actively seeking sponsors, volunteers, and mentors to join us in supporting the next generation of innovators. Check out a video recap of last year’s national convention here.
Curious about how your support impacts student entrepreneurship?
Photo: Norah Kolb, founder of Ray-Board
Learn more from Norah Kolb, a student from the Invention Convention, as she shares her impact story here. She began her journey of innovation by submitting a few sketches of her idea and an application to the Invention Convention Connecticut, and ended up winning. Fast forward, she won the ESPN award for best sports-related invention! Then, she pitched at a local “Shark Tank”-style competition and scored the top prize of $12,000 to develop her product. How inspiring is that?
Interested in supporting the inaugural Invention Convention Arizona?
Your Giving Tuesday donation will fund the following:
|
Schoolwide Participation Fee (One School) |
$150 |
|
AZ State Convention Registration Fee (One K-12 Youth) |
$50 |
|
Scouting unit (One Pack or Troop) |
$50 |
|
Regional Expo Registration Fee (One K-12 Youth) |
$25 |
|
Independent Learner Participant Fee |
$25 |
We are also looking for volunteers and judges for the day of event. Please email us at [email protected] to get involved. Let’s collaborate and shape the future of invention together!
Want a creative way to give back while shopping this holiday season?
Check out ASU Student Made, a vibrant marketplace crafted by and for Arizona State University (ASU) students that champions entrepreneurship and innovation within the ASU community.
This platform serves as a dynamic resource, empowering students to showcase their unique businesses and creations, all while encouraging local support and creativity. Embrace the spirit of giving by exploring the talent and ingenuity of ASU students—your purchases help foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem right here at home!
Shop ASU Student Made: https://www.studentmadeasu.com/shop
Support entrepreneurship throughout the community
You can also support the work of Edson E + I directly this Giving Tuesday. You would support the growing community entrepreneurship in Arizona, including programs for students, faculty and the local community.
Let’s make a positive difference together. Give to J.Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation here
