Berlin HS Receives Major MIT Grant To Expand Invention Programs

BERLIN, CT — Berlin High School has received an undisclosed, multi-year grant from the Lemelson-MIT Program to expand educational opportunities that teach students how to identify real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.

The Lemelson-MIT Program announced the multiyear grant Thursday, Oct. 15, to support Berlin High School's efforts to establish new invention education programs and incorporate hands-on problem-solving into its science curriculum.

The Lemelson-MIT Program, part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's School of Engineering, selected Berlin High School as part of a regional initiative designed to help students develop technical skills, creativity, and collaboration.

Berlin High School plans to introduce three programs during the 2027-28 school year:

• Inventor's Forge: A program for students in grades 10-12 focused on invention and problem-solving.

• Innovation and Applied Science Pathway: An academic pathway designed to incorporate invention education into science learning.

• Berlin Science Research Program: A program intended to expand opportunities for student research and innovation.

The school also plans to provide professional development for educators, establish community partnerships, and build districtwide support for invention education.

Invention education encourages students to work in teams to identify problems they consider important and develop prototypes of potential solutions.

The approach combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with skills such as communication, empathy, critical thinking, and collaboration.

"We believe every student can exceed expectations when challenged with solving real-world problems and discovering solutions that can make a positive difference," Berlin High School Principal Katie Amenta said.

"Invention education goes beyond the traditional classroom, giving students a platform to build essential skills and turn their creativity into tangible solutions," Amenta said. "Additionally, students learn how to apply critical thinking and collaboration skills, which provides authentic readiness for future careers and life outside of high school."

Berlin Among Schools Selected For Regional Initiative

Berlin High School is one of five educational institutions selected for the Lemelson-MIT Program's Massachusetts-Connecticut regional cohort.

The participating schools and colleges are:

• Berlin High School, Berlin.

• Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Cambridge, Mass.

• New Covenant School, Lexington, Mass.

• Watertown High School, Watertown, Mass.

• Westfield State University, Westfield, Mass.

The Massachusetts-Connecticut region was selected following a nationwide search. Two additional regions, Tennessee and Northern California, were also chosen.

The Lemelson-MIT Program will work with participating institutions to develop and evaluate educational experiences that encourage students to apply STEM knowledge to practical challenges.

Dr. Stephanie Couch, executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Program, said the initiative builds on nearly 25 years of work with educators across the country.

"We have learned that invention education can benefit all students, especially when students can experience learning through the invention process across multiple grade levels," Couch said.

The program aims to make invention education available during regular school hours, beginning in elementary grades and continuing through higher education.

"Employers benefit from graduates that have the types of capabilities they need but have trouble finding," Couch said. "Invention education connects students' knowledge and passions with the technical and durable human skills employers are looking for."

According to the Lemelson-MIT Program, student teams participating in its InvenTeams initiative have earned 24 U.S. patents.

Founded in 1994, the Lemelson-MIT Program is funded by the Lemelson Foundation and administered through MIT's School of Engineering.