Are you passionate about supporting STEM + Invention + Entrepreneurship initiatives for Kansas City youth? Foster the next generation of inventors by volunteering as a judge at KCIC on April 16, 2026!

What is KCIC?
KCIC is a STEMIE (STEM + Invention + Entrepreneurship) competition and outreach program presented by the Linda Hall Library that teaches creative problem-solving to students in grades 3-12, while providing educators with a FREE project-based curriculum that follows a seven-step invention process.

Why judge?
As a judge, you’ll ask questions, assess projects using a rubric, and provide positive feedback to students. Judges scores help us identify which outstanding young local inventors will win awards and who will represent Kansas City at Invention Convention Nationals.

Who can judge?
We welcome judges from all walks of life to help evaluate these inspiring innovations. Great KCIC judges are comfortable engaging with children in grades 3-12, willing to work with a team, and able to adhere to the scoring rubric.

Whether you’re a STEAM professional, tradesperson, marketer, intellectual property expert, parent, educator, or simply a community member passionate about mentoring youth, your perspective is valuable!

Is there training for judges?
Yes. Three brief videos-on-demand and an in-person session on competition day.

What’s the commitment?
Approximately 20 minutes for judge training videos before the competition day, then from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 16th, 2026. Morning refreshments and a boxed lunch are provided.

Tentative schedule:
Judge’s breakfast will start at 8:00 AM with training beginning at 8:30 AM on April 16th, 2026 at the Linda Hall Library (5109 Cherry). After training, we’ll walk across the street to Swinney Recreation Center on the UMKC Campus for the competition. Judging will take place from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with lunch immediately following.

Ready to sign up? Fill out the form linked below!
Have more questions? Email us at invent@lindahall.org