Students from Albany Leadership Charter School for Girls recently traveled to New York City to participate in the annual Project Invent Demo Day at Cornell Tech, where middle and high school students from across the country showcased inventions designed to solve real-world problems through technology and innovation.
Throughout the year, ALCS scholars worked alongside community partners to identify meaningful challenges people face every day and develop inventions aimed at creating positive social impact.
Representing ALCS were five incredible student teams from grades 6–8, each presenting innovative solutions rooted in empathy, creativity, and problem-solving.
6th Grade Team: “Text 2 Sign”
Our 6th grade team developed “Text 2 Sign,” an invention designed to support communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and unable to lip read. Their device converts spoken communication into accessible sign-based support to help bridge communication barriers and promote inclusivity.
The team’s thoughtful work earned them the award for “Team That Prioritized Learning,” recognizing their commitment to growth, collaboration, and learning throughout the invention process.
7th Grade Team: “Smartie Art Chicks”
The “Smartie Art Chicks” created a smart mirror focused on promoting positive self-image and self-esteem among young people. The mirror was designed to encourage confidence and provide uplifting affirmations to users.
Their innovative concept earned them the award for “Most Innovative Project” for their creative and impactful approach to supporting mental wellness and self-confidence.
6th Grade Team: “Beyond the Worry”
The “Beyond the Worry” team designed a smartwatch that monitors heart rate to help users recognize elevated stress levels. The watch also includes comforting sensory features and built-in fidgets intended to help ease anxiety and promote emotional regulation.
7th Grade Team: “The Goats”
“The Goats” developed a pair of smart glasses aimed at helping blind or visually impaired individuals navigate safely through their surroundings. The glasses include a camera and discreet speaker system that identifies obstacles and provides directional guidance to help users avoid injury and move independently.
8th Grade Team: “Drone Squad”
Our 8th grade “Drone Squad” created a drone designed to assist in identifying wildfires and helping determine the safest and most effective response strategies. Their invention focused on improving emergency response efforts and increasing safety during environmental disasters.
As part of the Demo Day experience, students pitched their inventions to judges, industry professionals, and community members while sharing the research, collaboration, and perseverance behind each project. Project Invent’s annual Demo Days serve as a national capstone event where students present inventions for social good and compete for recognition across several award categories.
We are especially proud to announce that both the “Text 2 Sign” and “Smartie Art Chicks” teams advanced to the next level of competition, where they will have the opportunity to continue showcasing their inventions on a larger stage.
This experience highlights the power of student innovation and the incredible potential of our scholars to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Congratulations to all of our Project Invent teams for representing ALCS with creativity, confidence, and excellence!
