Charles Smith, a 6th grader from Fox Valley Academy, has been captivating the invention world since kindergarten. With an extraordinary record of participation and awards at the Iowa Invention Convention and the U.S. National Invention Convention, Charles embodies the spirit of innovation, creativity, and resilience that today’s youth need to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.
Since 2019, Charles has qualified for the U.S. National Invention Convention five times, winning four national awards, including multiple Best Video Presentation honors. His inventions, ranging from the Benge Beacon designed to help firefighters safely navigate smoky buildings, to the Fire C.A.V.E.S. System, which enhances communication and vitals monitoring for first responders, demonstrate his deep empathy and resourcefulness.
Beyond the trophies, Charles’s journey showcases the development of critical future-ready skills: creativity, curiosity, tolerance for complexity, passion, and resilience. These experiences prepare him not just for invention competitions but for any career path he chooses.
The Iowa Invention Convention is proud to be open to all K-12 students statewide, fostering a culture of innovation without financial barriers. Schools and students can participate regardless of resources, emphasizing passion and ingenuity over privilege. The program cultivates essential skills that translate beyond the classroom into real-world problem solving and leadership.
Charles Smith’s success story exemplifies how early encouragement and access to invention programs can empower young minds to become the creative leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Want to bring invention into your classroom or home? Educators and/or parents are invited to join an upcoming professional development session online via Zoom on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4:00-6:30p.m. or in-person in Iowa City, IA on Friday, October 24, 2025. These hands-on sessions will introduce invention education strategies that are easy to implement, engaging for students, and aligned with future-ready learning goals—equipped with free curriculum that can be used to guide students through the invention process.
The Iowa Invention Convention is brought to you by the Jacobson Institute, the K–12 outreach arm of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Iowa. Now, this program is open to all K–12 students across Iowa. With no cost to schools, the program makes it possible for any educator or parent with a passion for creativity and innovation to help students begin their own invention journeys.
For more information about the Iowa Invention Convention or how to participate, visit iowainventionconvention.org.
