Ingenuity staff and BPI faculty at NCSS 2025 Conference in North Carolina

Together, we continue to inspire discovery, strengthen community, and shape the future of STEM right here in Baltimore City.

Warm Regards,

Lisette Morris | Executive Director

On October 30, The Ingenuity Project and University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) hosted a special screening of Counted Out for City Schools teachers and university math faculty.  The thought-provoking film explores one of the greatest crises of our time through an unexpected lens – math.

In an age where data drives nearly every aspect of our lives, from the news we read and the leaders we elect to the opportunities we access, Counted Out challenges viewers to confront the invisible yet powerful role math plays in shaping society. Through compelling personal stories, expert insights, and scenes of math in action, the film underscores how numeric literacy is deeply tied to social and economic equity.

We extend our sincere thanks to our partners in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at UMBC for generously hosting this impactful event. The screening sparked meaningful discussion about the importance of math education and Ingenuity’s commitment to ensuring that all students see themselves as capable “math people” who can understand, and shape, the world around them.

We are exploring a larger community screening for high school students and families in the spring. If interested in supporting, please contact Lisette Morris at lmorris@ingenuityproject.org.

This week, Ingenuity Dean Ms. Hudnall and High School Director Dr. Rosen hosted community-building retreats for our 9th and 10th grade Ingenuity scholars. Two energizing afternoons designed to strengthen teamwork and foster connection. Students stepped outside the classroom and rotated through high-energy “minute-to-win-it” style stations, taking on fast-paced challenges in team. Each activity required communication, strategy, and plenty of encouragement from teammates, giving students the chance to collaborate with peers they don’t normally work with and build stronger classroom communities.

Beyond the fun and friendly competition, including a full-group trivia showdown that sparked excitement across all teams, the retreats emphasized leadership and the values that define the Ingenuity experience. Through these interactive sessions, students practiced problem-solving, perseverance, and empathy, strengthening skills essential in STEM and in life. Surrounded by peers and Ingenuity staff, they explored what it means to be part of a community rooted in confidence and belonging. We’re proud of the leadership and creativity they demonstrated throughout the day—and the energy in the room made it clear that our students are ready for a great year ahead.

The Ingenuity Project and Poly proudly participated in the National Consortium for STEM Schools (NCSS) 2025 Annual Conference, held November 5–8 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our Executive Director, High School Director, and Lead Math Teacher joined educators and thought leaders from across the country to explore innovative approaches that connect math and science in ways that help students think critically about the world around them. Dr. Rosen presented the program’s progress in shaping a new in-house research model and engaged with schools at various stages in student STEM research.

At the conference, Lisette Morris was appointed President of the Board of NCSS for the 2025-26 school year. She will lead the board in expanding NCSS engagement with K-8 schools and districts who want to learn how to provide earlier access to STEM learning.

This fall, The Ingenuity Project invites you to celebrate what makes our community extraordinary, the power of being Stronger Together.

For nearly 30 years, Ingenuity has thrived because of people like you — families, alumni, educators, and supporters who believe in the brilliance and potential of Baltimore’s young STEM scholars. Whether you’ve cheered on your child’s achievements or once walked the halls yourself, your connection continues to fuel the heart of Ingenuity.

Your gift to our Fall Giving Campaign helps ensure that the next generation of students can access the same life-changing opportunities — from challenging coursework and mentorship to the confidence to pursue bold dreams in science, technology, engineering, and math.

When we give, mentor, and advocate together, we create lasting change. That’s what Stronger Together means: a shared commitment to empowering Ingenuity students to discover, achieve, and lead, for generations to come.

Make your gift today and help us continue opening doors for Baltimore’s future innovators.

Together, we can ensure every Ingenuity student has the support, encouragement, and opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for being part of the Ingenuity community, because together we are truly #IngenuityStrongerTogether.