ATLANTA, June 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sara Blakely, the inventor
and founder of Spanx, is giving full scholarships to send 1,000
girls across the country to Camp Invention® this summer.
"My hope is that this gift will inspire the next generation of
female leaders and industry disruptors."
"My hope is that this gift will inspire the next generation of
female leaders and industry disruptors. Only 13% of primary patent
holders are women, and when I started Spanx, that number was even
lower… it was only 6.8%," Blakely said. "We need more products and
ideas generated from the feminine perspective. Women have so many
gifts to bring into the world… imagine if their full potential
could be realized. I'm so excited to partner with the National
Inventors Hall of Fame to send young girls to Camp Invention this
summer so they too can have the confidence to dream up ideas and
solve problems for the world."
In addition to the financial gift, each girl will also receive a
"lucky" red backpack. "I started Spanx with my lucky red backpack
from college. It was with me every step of the way. The lucky red
backpack is a symbol of starting small while dreaming big and that
everything you need is right there on your back. It's even hung on
the wall and framed at Spanx HQ as an inspiring symbol," Blakely
said.
For more than three decades, Camp Invention, a program of the
National Inventors Hall of Fame® in partnership with the United
States Patent and Trademark Office, has developed confidence and
problem-solving skills for girls and boys through authentic,
hands-on STEM activities inspired by its Inductees. Camp Invention
promotes STEM learning; builds leadership, perseverance and
resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship — in an exciting
and engaging environment.
"The National Inventors Hall of Fame pays it forward through our
education programs, competitions and events," said National
Inventors Hall of Fame CEO Michael
Oister. "We are appreciative of Sara
Blakely's donation, specifically to support girls' access to
invention education and hands-on STEM activities. Our mission is to
provide more underserved children the opportunity to experience our
programs, develop their own innovative mindset, and benefit from
hands-on, problem-based learning, which will boost their interest
and confidence in exploring STEM fields."
Local programs are facilitated and taught by certified local
educators. Annually, Camp Invention programs benefit more than
118,000 children and partner with 2,500 schools and districts
across the nation. Educators and school districts can partner with
Camp Invention by visiting invent.org/camp.
About Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely is the
founder of Spanx. She revolutionized the undergarment industry with
just $5,000 and a "lucky" red
backpack. With no outside investment, she turned it into a global
brand known for inventing smarter, more comfortable solutions. Sara
was named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the
world and was featured on the cover of Forbes Magazine as the
youngest self-made female billionaire. Sara
Blakely and The Sara Blakely Foundation are on a mission to
change the way women see themselves and the way the world sees
women. Blakely has invested millions of dollars to elevate women
and in 2013, she signed the Giving Pledge, promising to donate half
her wealth to philanthropy.
About Camp Invention
Camp Invention is the only
nationally recognized summer program focused on creativity,
innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention.
Through hands-on programming, Camp Invention encourages children
entering kindergarten through sixth grade to explore science,
technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum inspired by some
of the world's greatest inventors. Camp Invention is a program of
the National Inventors Hall of Fame. This nationwide, nonprofit
organization is committed to the curious minds and innovative
spirits of the past, present and future. Since 1990, our education
programs have served more than 2.6 million children, and 309,000
teachers and Leadership Interns. For more information, visit
invent.org/programs/camp-invention.
Media contacts:
Charlotte Garner
Charlotte.Garner@SaraBlakely.com
Ken Torisky
National Inventors Hall of Fame
234-901-6085
ktorisky@invent.org
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SOURCE Camp Invention