The Community Partner Experience
Community Partners collaborate with students to share honest feedback as students design solutions to challenges in the world around them.
Robert Rodriguez and the students at Freeport High School (Freeport, NY) partnered to find a solution to how his prothetic leg fits while competing in races. Learn more about what Robert’s role was on their team in this clip, and check out their full story here.
The Leary Firefighter Foundation and students from Mt. Olive High School (Flanders, NJ) talk about their collaboration to create a wearable device which alerts individuals with hearing impairments to emergency situations. Check out their full story here.
An AWESOME Community Partner is…
Excited to collaborate with youth
Willing to connect students to additional resources/experts in their network
Able to give honest feedback kindly
Open about the challenges they face in their personal or professional life
Open to curating experiences for students, in addition to providing insights and stories
Available to meet with students a minimum of 3 times throughout the school year
Previous Collaborations
The Nueva School + their classmates
UNWIND : a handheld stress ball that allows you to put mindfulness in your pocket.
Valencia HIGH SCHOOL + JOE
RESUSCIFY : a highly portable, cost effective practice tool which gamifies CPR education and expands access to help.
Gorge Makerspace + JOSE
ADAPTPLAY : a customized keyboard and mouse that allows those with limited motor skills to use a computer.
MLK Center Indy + Belmont Beach
CLEAN SEE : a simple water filter anyone can make in their backyard to aid Belmont Beach's revitalization.
Other student inventions have come from partnerships with: Foresters; new parents teachers; unhoused individuals; water conservation advocates; city government departments; cattle farmers; animal shelters; bus drivers foster children; individuals who experience blindness, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or other physical disabilities, and so many more!
FAQs
+ I am still unsure if I am a good fit as a Community Partner; what should I do?
Email programs@projectinvent.org to set up a brief meeting with one of our team members to talk about how you, someone you know, or your organization can participate as a Community Partner.
+ Do I need to have a invention idea to be a Community Partner?
No — in fact, we prefer that you don't! Project Invent students are trained to start with a blank slate, and generate ideas through a structured interview process.
+ Are Community Partners expected to particpate in the building and prototyping process?
There are no tech expectations for Community Partners. However, if you get curious about the prototyping process, you should feel free to join in the fun with your student team!
+ Do I need to be nearby a Project Invent school to serve as a Community Partner?
We love to connect Community Partners with students as close to them as possible, but welcome Community Partners from anywhere in North America, regardless of their proximity to Project Invent schools. Over the past few years, we have developed tips and tools to ensure that Community Partners can connect with students virtually.
+ Do I get to keep the invention that students build?
The end of the Project Invent journey looks a little different for everyone. In some cases, students will want to hang on to their invention so that they can continue to develop its capabilities. In other cases, students may be satisfied with their work, in which case they may deliver their invention to their Community Partner
+ How would you describe the benefits of Community Partnership?
Community Partner survey responses indicate that student relationships are the most rewarding element of the experience. Last year, 85% of our Community Partners reported that they had developed meaningful relationships with students that would last beyond the scope of Project Invent. Thus, in some cases, Partners will continue to inspire and mentor students for months and years to come.
Additionally, 94% of last year's Community Partners agreed that students built unique technologies clearly informed by their interview process. Engaging as a Community Partner means that you will have a chance to inform, shape, and inspire an innovation process like no other!
Looking to learn more? check out our quick Info Session about becoming a Project Invent Community Partner!