Empowering Young People to Lead, Create, and Inspire
Youth leadership is at the heart of Invent the Summer. Our program isn’t just for kids. It’s built by them.
From designing challenges to mentoring younger learners, youth leaders shape, strengthen, and sustain every part of our work. Their creativity and perspectives drive Invent the Summer forward.
Why Youth Leadership Matters
When kids and teens take the lead, powerful things happen:
- younger participants see relatable role models
- activities feel more inviting and less intimidating
- teens build confidence, purpose, and real-world skills
Youth leadership isn’t a feature. It’s a foundation.
What Youth Leaders Do
Our Junior and Senior Boards of Engineers are active creators and collaborators who shape the program in meaningful ways.
Challenge Creation
- brainstorm and test new challenge ideas
- refine materials and difficulty
- ensure accessibility for all ages
Video Production & Direction
- write scripts and storyboards
- present on camera
- direct, film, and edit footage
Program Leadership
- lead meetings and creative teams
- manage timelines and deliverables
- offer feedback and collaborate with peers
Mentorship & Workshop Support
- encourage and mentor younger participants
- support groups and one-on-one learners
- review submissions and award prizes
Our youth leaders don’t watch from the sidelines.
They make the program what it is.
The Value of Youth Leadership
The Power of Near Peer Mentorship
Research shows that kids are more likely to explore and persist in STEM when they learn from near peers. Kids working with youth mentors:
- take creative risks because they feel supported
- learn to troubleshoot by watching teens try, fail, and try again
- feel proud sharing their ideas with relatable role models
Skills Youth Leaders Build
Working on the Junior and Senior Boards, youth leaders develop skills that help them thrive now and in the future. Along the way, they:
- strengthen leadership and teamwork skills
- grow as creative problem solvers
- develop communication and presentation strengths
- manage responsibilities through time and project planning
Lasting Impact on Their Future
The Invent the Summer experience can shape a young person’s future in meaningful ways. Over time, we’ve seen our youth leaders:
- discover new academic or career interests
- highlight their experience in college and scholarship applications
- step into leadership roles in their communities
Youth Leaders in Their Own Words
“I started Invent the Summer as a summer project when I was 11. Seven years later, the most rewarding part was seeing how many lives we reached. Watching kids invent, have fun, and even come back as mentors showed me how powerful one idea can be.”
“As a former participant and now a Jr Board member, I’ve learned so much about problem solving, creativity, and teamwork.”
“As a board member, I love testing the challenges behind the scenes. Seeing the creative and unexpected solutions participants come up with always leaves me in awe and fuels my interest in engineering.“
“Through Invent the Summer, I’ve met so many people with different perspectives and experiences. Sharing my love for STEM and learning from others has been the best part of this journey.”
“I loved creating challenges and later mentoring the Junior Board. Watching fall ideas become fully edited summer videos was incredible. I also learned how to delegate and support a team, skills that have already helped me in college.”
Impact at a Glance
Our youth leaders make an extraordinary contribution to Invent the Summer. These numbers highlight the strength of our pathway, the commitment of our young creators, and the lasting impact of youth-driven leadership.
23
Youth leaders engaged since 2019
88%
Youth returning to leadership for multiple years
13
Schools represented by our youth leaders
63
In-person sessions led by youth in 2025
Ways to Engage With Invent the Summer
Families, volunteers, organizations, and funders engage with our programs in different ways as part of our year-round mission.
Families
Join our Junior Board to design challenges, build leadership skills, and inspire younger makers.
Volunteers
Support our Youth Leadership Team through creative projects and mentoring.
Funders
Help us train youth leaders and keep leadership opportunities accessible.
Organizations
Bring youth-led workshops or STEM days to your school, library, or community.