BlerdOut Innovation Cohort

Empower young innovators to explore, adapt, and patent inventions created by under-represented inventors, while fostering personal and professional growth through the development of 12 key life principles. Students will be guided to developing an invention over the 12 week period by STEM professionals. Additionally, students will learn about careers and be exposed to certifications to launch those careers in Robotics, Drones, Cybersecurity, Automation, Welding, AI and more.

Innovate & Elevate

Invent With Purpose

Participants don’t invent for trophies — they invent for transformation. Students explore, adapt, and improve inventions originally created by under-represented inventors, applying creativity and engineering thinking to solve real community challenges. Every idea must answer one question: Who does this help?

What This Builds

Problem identification rooted in community needs
Design thinking & creative engineering
Exposure to intellectual property fundamentals
Early-stage invention mindset

Outcome:
Each student defines a problem, selects a base invention, and begins developing a purpose-driven innovation.

Build The Inventor Within

Innovation without self-belief collapses under pressure. Throughout the cohort, students develop 12 essential life principles that strengthen identity, confidence, communication, leadership, and resilience — transforming who they are, not just what they build.

12 Life Principles Embedded

Self-Confidence
Self-Awareness
Self-Acceptance
Communication
Cultural Awareness
Teamwork & Relationships
Financial Literacy
Innovation
Leadership
Activism
Achievement
Personal Health

Outcome:
Students don’t just gain skills — they gain internal alignment, discipline, and voice.

Engineer The Future

Students are exposed to real-world STEM careers through hands-on learning, mentorship, and certification awareness. By working alongside industry professionals, participants connect invention to viable career pathways in advanced technology and skilled trades.

Career Exposure Areas

Robotics & Automation
Drones & Autonomous Systems
Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence
Welding & Advanced Manufacturing
Controls, Mechatronics & Smart Systems

Outcome:
Students understand how innovation becomes income — and which certifications can launch them forward.

Protect, Present & Patent

Ideas have value — and value deserves protection. Students learn the fundamentals of intellectual property, invention documentation, and pitching, culminating in a final invention presentation that mirrors real-world innovation ecosystems.

Students Learn

Invention documentation & technical storytelling
Intro to patents, trademarks & ownership
Pitch development & presentation skills
Ethical innovation & creator responsibility

Outcome:
Each participant completes a 12-week guided invention journey, ending with a documented solution and pitch-ready innovation concept.

Join Us Today!

Fill out the form to learn more about the BlerdOut Innovation Cohort and how to participate