Help Kids Invent Their Future!
Invent the Summer is powered by creativity, community — and generous volunteers like you. Whether you can give a few hours a month or lend your talents behind the scenes, there’s a way to make a real impact for kids ages 6–18.
Why your help matters
Did you know we’re currently a 100% volunteer-run organization? Aside from our summer workshop leaders, we don’t have any paid staff. Every website update, every mentoring session, every bit of marketing and tech support is powered by volunteers. It’s a lot of work for a small team — but the impact is huge, and the reward is helping to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders.
In 2025, thanks to volunteers like you:
- 576 young inventors joined the fun
- 850+ projects were completed in just 8 weeks
- 17 youth leaders stepped up and learned what it takes to make big things happen
Your time and support keep the program free for kids 12 & under, fuel new workshops, and help us bring Invent the Summer to even more communities.
Mentor Roles
Our Junior and Senior Boards are filled with amazing young leaders, and mentors play a key role in helping them turn their energy and ideas into impact.
Mentors guide our youth boards as they take on leadership roles. The time commitment is light—just 2–6 hours per month—and meetings can be attended virtually.
What mentors do:
- Guide projects and provide feedback
- Encourage and cheer on students
- Help young leaders build confidence and grow their skills
What we provide:
- Clear structure and agendas for meetings
- Resources and support so you’re never on your own
What’s required:
- A passion for working with youth and supporting their ideas
- Youth-friendly communication style
- Background checks (handled by Invent the Summer)
Current mentor roles available:
- Social Media
- Marketing & Storytelling
- Video Production
- Monthly Newsletter
- Scratch Education/Contest Creation
Your guidance today helps shape tomorrow’s creative thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders.
General Support
If mentoring isn’t your thing, you can still supercharge the season in other ways! Every bit of support helps us reach more kids and keep Invent the Summer thriving.
- Become a Board Member – Help shape the future of Invent the Summer through leadership and vision.
- Fundraising Support: Host a mini-fundraiser, dedicate a birthday, or connect us with grants and community funders.
- Networking Support: Share your connections to help us reach new partners, mentors, or sponsors.
- Local Outreach: Be an ambassador for Invent the Summer in your community and spread the word.
- Workshop Supplies & Materials: Paper towel tubes, tape, and cardboard have never mattered more! Help us stock our hands-on workshops with the materials kids need to build.
Even the smallest contributions add up to a big impact—your support helps keep the creativity flowing all summer long.
Donate Used Gear & Vehicles
- Storage Shelves & Bins – We have a lot of supplies and could use some help keeping everything neat and organized. If you have shelves or small storage tubs, email us with what you have and we’ll be happy to arrange pickup (local central CT area only).
- Tablets & Computers – Upgrading your tech? Consider donating your gently used tablets or computers. We’ll put them to work at our workshops and STEM fairs.
- Vehicle Donation – We sure could use an Invent the Summer van, box truck, or even a repurposed ice cream or mail truck! Vehicles help us transport workshop kits and run pop-up STEM fairs.
- Must be operable and insured at transfer
- We handle pickup if local
- We’ll provide a donation acknowledgment letter
- Note: Donations may be tax-deductible; please consult your tax advisor.
Every donation helps us reach more kids, run more workshops, and spark even more creativity.
Partners & Sponsors
Want to make an even bigger impact? Let’s build something together.
Way to partner with us:
- Program Sponsorships – Sponsor a season, a workshop, or a week of challenges.
- Workshop Hosts – Libraries, schools, museums, and parks make great homes for Invent the Summer workshops.
- Employee Volunteer Days – Give your team a chance to roll up their sleeves and support young inventors.
- Matching Gifts – Double the impact of your employees’ or organization’s donations.
We’ll proudly feature our partners on our website, in videos, and on event signage. Your brand will shine while fueling the creativity, problem-solving, and leadership skills of the next generation.
Let’s inspire tomorrow’s inventors—together.
Ready to help?
Big or small, every contribution makes a difference. Your support keeps Invent the Summer free and accessible for all kids—while strengthening the program for seasons to come.