Lemelson-MIT Launches Initiative to Build Invention Education Pathways with Berlin High School
Berlin High School to enhance and grow invention education pathways across all grades
Berlin, Conn. (Oct. 15, 2026) — The Lemelson-MIT Program (LMIT), part of MIT's School of
Engineering, has awarded a multi-year “Invention Education Pathways” grant to Berlin High
School to support educators with new efforts to teach students ways inventors find and solve
problems to improve lives.
Invention education is an approach to teaching in which students work in teams to identify
problems that matter to them and develop prototypes of novel solutions. Students engaged in
invention education learn how to apply knowledge and skills from different disciplines. They
develop durable human skills that are important in work and in life such as empathy,
collaboration, and communication. Students also develop technical skills and confidence in their
own abilities. All three types of benefits prepare students to thrive in today’s rapidly changing
world.
Berlin High School plans to launch invention education alongside existing programs and
courses at the school. Their goal is to have invention education become a recognizable part of
science education and the overall academic program. To achieve this goal, they hope to
develop three programs: Inventor's Forge (grades 10-12), the Innovation and Applied Science
Pathway, and the Berlin Science Research Program for inclusion in the 2027-2028 school year.
They also plan to build educator capacity, develop a community ecosystem, and garner district
support.
Berlin High School is part of a larger Massachusetts/Connecticut regional cohort identified by
LMIT after a nationwide search for a cluster of schools/colleges and districts that recognize the
power of invention education and are committed to building strong pathways to invention. The
other two regions selected were Tennessee and Northern California. LMIT offers curriculum
resources that schools, districts, and community colleges can adopt selectively to jump-start
their IvE offerings. LMIT will work with schools throughout the region to assist with their design,
implementation, and evaluation of learning experiences that help students apply STEM
knowledge to invent solutions to real-world problems.
The schools/colleges in the Massachusetts/Connecticut region include:
- Berlin High School, Berlin, CT
- Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Cambridge, MA
- New Covenant School, Lexington, MA
- Watertown High School, Watertown, MA
- Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
“This initiative builds on LMIT’s work with educators across the U.S. for nearly 25 years and
related research. We have learned that invention education can benefit all students, especially
when students can experience learning through the invention process across multiple grade
levels,” said Dr. Stephanie Couch, executive director of LMIT. “Our goal is to create
opportunities for learning through invention education during the regular school day, beginning
in the early grades and continuing into adulthood. Learners will gain insights into the
opportunities they have to improve lives of people they care about through creative and
inventive problem solving. They will also gain confidence in their own abilities, including pursuit
of college/career paths in technical fields/occupations if that is what they choose. Employers
benefit from graduates that have the types of capabilities they need but have trouble finding.
Invention education connects students' knowledge and passions with the technical and durable
human skills employers are looking for.”
“We believe every student can exceed expectations when challenged with solving real-world
problems and discovering solutions that can make a positive difference,” said Katie Amenta,
Berlin High School Principal. "Invention education goes beyond the traditional classroom, giving
students a platform to build essential skills and turn their creativity into tangible solutions.
Additionally, students learn how to apply critical thinking and collaboration skills, which provides
authentic readiness for future careers and life outside of high school.”
LMIT's experience, case studies, and published research show that this approach helps
students, especially those underrepresented in STEM, build confidence and see themselves as
capable STEM learners and inventors. Student teams in the program's flagship high school
grants initiative, InvenTeams®, have earned 24 U.S. patents.
ABOUT BERLIN HIGH SCHOOL
Located in Berlin, Connecticut, Berlin High School is a premier public secondary school
dedicated to academic excellence, innovative learning, and strong community partnership.
Serving students in grades 9 through 12, Berlin High School offers a comprehensive curriculum
featuring Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education pathways, robust
athletic programs, and vibrant extracurricular opportunities. Guided by a commitment to student
achievement, BHS creates meaningful educational experiences designed to help every Redcoat
discover their purpose, ignite their passion, and cultivate enduring Redcoat pride.
ABOUT THE LEMELSON-MIT PROGRAM
For over 30 years, LMIT, administered under the MIT School of Engineering, has been a
national leader in efforts to prepare the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs. Our
work focuses on the expansion of opportunities for all people to discover their pathway into
becoming an inventor and solve crucial problems to help improve lives.
Jerome H. Lemelson, one of U.S. history’s most prolific inventors, and his wife Dorothy, founded
the Lemelson-MIT Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1994. It is funded by
The Lemelson Foundation and administered by MIT’s School of Engineering, an institution with
a strong ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for K-14 STEM education.