Registration is now closed.
Event Time:
Saturday, October 22
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Exhibitor Badge Pick-up Hours:
Friday, October 21: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 22: 7:30 a.m. – noon
Event Location:
George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, Texas 77010
Studies have shown that girls perform at similar levels as their male counterparts, but their confidence and interest in engineering and math decline during middle school. Why? A lack of support, resources and programming designed to encourage their interest in STEM. As part of the mission of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Invent it. Build it. (IIBI) program was created as a solution to this problem.
IIBI is an experience designed to encourage girls to choose a career in engineering and technology. This is achieved through a three-pronged approach:
- A middle school program for students ages 11-13 and high school program for students ages 14-18
- Parent Educator Program (PEP)
- Outreach EXPO
Back for the 11th year, Invent It. Build It. will take place on Saturday, October 22 at SWE’s Annual Conference, WE22, in Houston, Texas. IIBI is specifically designed for 500+ students, ages 10-18, to build their confidence and interest in STEM.
IIBI is a unique program that combines creativity, innovation, and exploration through hands-on STEM activities. Students ages 11-18 will participate in building, inventing, and networking with members of SWE and having fun with their peers. IIBI is tailor-made to develop a STEM identity and discover the engineering design process.
Having fun inventing and learning isn’t just for students. Parents and educators will also have the opportunity to learn about engineering careers, scholarships, college admission, and resources during the PEP program.
Registration is Now Closed.
SWE has more opportunities available for girls interested in STEM. Join SWENext to gain access to various programs, mentors, and resources designed to develop leadership skills and self-confidence to #BeThatEngineer. Although SWENext focuses on girls, all students are encouraged to get involved. Are you an adult advocate or educator? Find out ways you can participate and provide support by joining the community.
The Invent it. Build it. (IIBI) Middle School Girls Program is designed for students ages 11-13 to help them find their STEM identity by exploring the creative and innovative sides of engineering and technology. Students will have an opportunity to engage with peers and real engineers through a hands-on activity that focuses on skills-building, teamwork, and ingenuity. After participating in the Outreach Expo, this program will run from noon to 3:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to attend the entire program.
Participants will:
- Explore the Invent it. Build it. EXPO to learn about clubs, camps, competitions, and engineering career options.
- Have lunch with SWE engineers (lunch provided).
- Work with SWE members from around the world on hands-on engineering activities.
- Meet real engineers and learn what they do.
- Make new friends.
- Get fun swag, including a T-shirt, bag and other goodies!
The cost to attend is $5. Financial assistance is available upon request.
The Invent it. Build it. (IIBI) High School Girls Program is an elevated experience for high school girls, ages 13-18 to put their skills and knowledge to work as they engage in a hands-on project with their peers and real engineers. Participants will also learn how to prepare for a college/university engineering program. After participating in the Outreach Expo, this program will run from noon to 3:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to attend the entire program.
Participants will:
- Explore the Invent it. Build it. EXPO to learn about clubs, camps, competitions, and engineering career options.
- Have lunch with SWE engineers (lunch provided).
- Work on hands-on engineering activities.
- Meet real engineers and learn what they do.
- Participate in conversations with SWE members from around the world and learn how to navigate a career in a male-dominated field.
- Receive information on how to select the right college, where to find scholarships, and how to be a successful engineer.
- Make new friends.
- Get fun swag, including a T-shirt, bag, and other goodies!
The cost to attend is $7. Financial assistance is available upon request.
Parents and educators play a crucial role in girls’ success in pursuing an engineering career. At this event, SWE highlights this “village” of support by providing resources to better advocate for girls in STEM. Parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, administrators, and leaders are encouraged to participate in the Parent Educator Program (PEP), which will run from noon to 3:30 p.m. Participants are asked to stay for the entire program.
Parents and educators will:
- Explore the Invent it. Build it. EXPO.
- Learn about engineering careers, scholarships, college admission, and available resources.
- Network with SWE members and other parents and educators.
- Complete a hands-on activity and learn best practices for engineering projects with girls.
- Have lunch with the SWE engineers (lunch provided).
The cost to attend is $5. Financial assistance is available upon request.
All Invent It. Build It. (IIBI) attendees have the opportunity to explore the Outreach EXPO from 9:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. During this time, the EXPO will be an open house, and participants may come and go as they please. Exhibitors will share information about STEM careers and programs and engage students with hands-on engineering activities as they explore the EXPO.
Come to the EXPO to learn about:
- Careers in engineering and technology
- Engineering clubs
- Engineering camps
- Competitions
- After-school programs
- Scholarships
- And more!
Download the Application here. Completed applications due by August 31, 2022.
SWE will have a limited number of buses for organizations in or near Houston to transport students to Invent it. Build it. (IIBI). Buses will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the bus is confirmed, SWE will notify organizations if a bus is available, along with pick-up and drop-off times.
In order to qualify and reserve a bus for the event, complete the IIBI Bus Request Form and return it to outreach@swe.org.
IIBI Bus Guidelines
- Refer to your school/organizations busing policy.
- Groups must have a minimum of 40 students registered for IIBI in order to qualify. Please note each bus has a capacity limit of 45 riders.
- There will be at least one adult chaperone on the bus for every 25 students to help with transportation to and from IIBI. Chaperones must complete the 10 minute SWE Youth Protection course by September 30, 2022 in order to request a bus.
- The organization representative is responsible for identifying one pickup and dropoff location for the students and parents.
- Adult chaperones will be responsible for collecting a Student Permission Form for each student prior to riding/getting on the bus.
- All bus request forms must be submitted by September 30, 2022
Interested in becoming an exhibitor at the EXPO? Email us at outreach@swe.org