Earlier this fall, I had the privilege of hearing author Jeffrey Selingo speak about his latest book, Dream School. His insights provided a refreshing perspective on the college admissions landscape, and one that strongly echoes our core mission here at The Ingenuity Project.

During his talk, Selingo effectively dismantled the myth of the “elite college,” urging students and families to shift their focus away from just status and prestige. Instead, he emphasized seeking out institutions that truly deliver long-term value. He advised prioritizing colleges that guarantee a supportive first-year experience, foster a campus culture rich in faculty-student mentorship, and offer hands-on learning directly tied to future careers.

Selingo’s framework hit close to home because it mirrors the foundation we build for Ingenuity students every day. We know that the 6th and 9th grade critical transition years set the trajectory for long-term academic and personal success. By providing rigorous, hands-on STEM experiences early on and cultivating meaingful engagement with STEM professionals, we ensure our students are not just prepared to get into college, but are equipped to thrive once they arrive.

In this fall issue of our newsletter, we are excited to share exciting updates and stories from across our community.

Regards,

Lisette Morris
Executive Director

Ingenuity is pleased to welcome Dr. Margaret MacDonald as our new STEM Partnerships and Enrichment Manager, supporting our high school program at Poly. Dr. MacDonald is a chemist, educator, and curator who explores the research process, new modes of experimentation, and the intersection of art, science, and material culture. Before joining The Ingenuity Project, she worked for over a decade as a Research Chemist for the US Army CCDC Chemical Biological Center, where her research probed the macro and molecular-scale dynamics of liquids within porous media using NMR Spectroscopy. Dr. MacDonald earned a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill, an MFA in Curatorial Practice from MICA, and a BA in Art History and in Chemistry from Grinnell College.

This fall, we’re celebrating continued growth and investment in our students with our theme, “Together We Soar! Rooted in Mission, Investing in Baltimore’s Future.” We invite you to explore the progress of Ingenuity scholars in our new 2025-26 Annual Report.

Our Annual Report offers a look back at how your support strengthens a continuum of opportunity for Baltimore’s bright STEM scholars. From a more rigorous middle school math curriculum and a landmark investment in science instruction to Poly’s new 10th Grade Introduction to Scientific Research course and expanded dual enrollment offerings, you’ll see how together we are helping students explore real-world challenges, begin scientific inquiry earlier, and earn college credit while still in high school.

Thank you for showing up year after year, staying rooted with us in this mission, and investing in Baltimore’s future. Together, we soar!

Between October 9-11, Ingenuity Project Poly student Phianna Koehn, was invited to Boston to present her student research at the MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference (URTC). URTC is an internationally-renowned research conference, for undergraduates and by undergraduates. The annual conferences are themed around incredible breakthroughs in engineering and technological research made by student researchers at the undergraduate level all over the country. Click here to learn more about MIT URTC.

Ingenuity alumni continue to soar! We are proud to recognize Jerome Hamilton (Poly, Class of 2021), who was selected by Michigan State University as a nominee for both the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship and Marshall Scholarship. A 2025 graduate of Michigan State University’s Honors College, Jerome earned his bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in environmental social science through the College of Social Science. We are incredibly proud to see Jerome recongized for his academic leadership and acreaching new heights! 

The Ingenuity Project is looking for prospective middle and high school students who love math and science and want to become one of Baltimore’s next leading scientists, exceptional mathematicians, innovative engineers, and high-tech entrepreneurs.

Applications for the 2027–26 school year open on Monday, November 2. Learn more on the Ingenuity website, here.

Middle School Upcoming Open Houses: Click Here 

Virtual Middle School Information Sessions: Click here