Program Offerings
Independent Inventor Options
For Inventors in grades K-12 working independently and/or learning at home, we have three flexible options for participation.
Program Registration Only
$35
For independent learners working on their own. This option provides direct registration to the Virtual Independent Inventors Invention Convention (March 2026) and a chance to qualify for State Finals*.
Program Registration + Asynchronous Resources
$45
Flexible, self-paced invention learning through Google Classroom. Inventors gain access to engaging materials, resources, and activities to guide them through the process at home. Includes registration to the Virtual Independent Inventors Invention Convention (March 2026) and a chance to qualify for state finals*.
Program Registration + Virtual Inventors Club (Winter 2026)
$75
A 9-week online club that meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM EST starting in January for collaboration and growth. Inventors share their projects, exchange feedback, and ask meaningful questions in a supportive community. Includes registration to the Virtual Independent Inventors Invention Convention (March 2026) and a chance to qualify for State Finals*.
Specialty Programs
For independent inventors looking for a deeper dive into the invention process or a specialty program option.
Invention Intensive - Virtual (January 2026)
$75
This fast-paced, two-week virtual program meets three times a week in January. Perfect for motivated inventors, the intensive format provides focused support to refine ideas and strengthen designs. Includes registration to the Virtual Independent Inventors Invention Convention (March 2026) and a chance to qualify for State Finals*.
App-Ventures in Inventing - Virtual (Winter 2026)
$100
Have you ever wanted to create your own app and solve real problems? In this hands-on class, inventors ages 9-14 will transform their ideas into functioning apps using Thunkable - even if they’ve never coded before! Includes registration to the Virtual Independent Inventors Invention Convention (March 2026) and a chance to qualify for State Finals*.
In-Person Library Classes - Mystic/Groton (Winter 2026)
$200
Join us for a 9-week, in-person invention class led by an experienced Invention Convention teacher. Meeting once a week at the Groton or Mystic Public Libraries, inventors will learn the innovation process step by step and complete a project ready for submission. Meetings will take place Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 5-7 pm. Includes registration to the Virtual Independent Inventors Invention Convention (March 2026) and a chance to qualify for state finals*.
* Note: Participants must reside in Connecticut to be eligible to qualify for the CT State Finals. Selected independent inventors from the March virtual competition will advance to the state finals event.
Meet the Instructors
Bri Livingood - Director
Madeline Briere - App Instructor
Madeline Briere - App Instructor
Bri is a seasoned educator, invention education specialist and inventor parent. Bri directs all At Home Innovation programs for NextMinds. Bri is the lead instructor for the Virtual and Invention Intensive clubs.
Madeline Briere - App Instructor
Madeline Briere - App Instructor
Madeline Briere - App Instructor
A full-time software developer at Google, Madeline still makes time to help bring innovation education programs to kids across the nation. A past Invention Convention inventor herself, Maddie helps guide inventors through the App-Ventures program.