School Holiday Innovation Challenge

A future-skills program for employees’ children

Available during the Victorian school holidays, including 6–10 July 2026, the BrainSTEM School Holiday Innovation Challenge is a one-day program for children aged 10–14.

Each day is designed for 15–30 participants, creating the right balance of teamwork, interaction and support.

Adapted from BrainSTEM’s proven SDG Schools Challenge, delivered with schools including Ivanhoe Grammar, Carey Grammar, Mentone Grammar and Bialik College, this program brings a school-tested innovation model into the corporate setting for employees and their families.

Students work in teams to solve a real-world challenge, use design thinking, build LEGO prototypes and pitch their ideas.

Why host this program?

This is a practical way to support employees, engage staff and create visible social impact.

For many students, especially those from government schools or low-SES communities, access to high-quality STEM and innovation programs can be limited by cost, opportunity or resources. Hosting this program helps open that experience to more families.

Hosting the program helps your organisation:

Support working parents during the school holidays
Offer a meaningful family engagement initiative
Create volunteering opportunities for staff
Engage graduates and emerging leaders as mentors and role models
Strengthen employee connection, pride and purpose
Support CSR, ESG and community impact goals
Help inspire the next generation of STEM thinkers and problem-solvers

What students will do

Students will:

Explore a real-world challenge linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Work in teams using BrainSTEM’s design thinking framework
Generate ideas and develop solutions
Build LEGO prototypes
Practise teamwork, communication and problem-solving
Pitch their ideas at the end of the day

Skills students will build

Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Creativity
Teamwork
Collaboration
Communication
Public speaking
Presentation skills
Confidence

Program options

Option 1: Core Challenge

A ready-to-run BrainSTEM-designed program that your organisation hosts and promotes internally.

Best suited for organisations wanting a simple, high-quality employee family engagement initiative with minimal planning.

Includes:

BrainSTEM-selected challenge theme
Program structure, facilitation and materials
Optional staff involvement
Internal promotion by the host organisation
One-day delivery with optional multiple-day hosting
Different challenge themes available for different days

Option 2: Co-Designed Challenge

A more flexible program co-designed with your organisation.

Best suited for organisations wanting stronger alignment with their brand, sector, values, staff engagement or social impact priorities.

Includes:

Co-branded program with BrainSTEM and the host organisation
Opportunity to shape the challenge theme or topic
Greater flexibility in program design
Stronger alignment with CSR, ESG, community impact or innovation goals
Greater staff involvement as panellists, mentors, judges or volunteers
Option to connect the challenge to your organisation’s work or community priorities
One-day delivery, with the option to host across multiple days

What we need from the host organisation

Suitable workshop-style space
Tables and chairs for small group work
Basic AV facilities
Internal promotion to staff
Morning tea, if appropriate
Different challenge themes available for different days
Optional staff participation as panellists, mentors, judges or volunteers

Children bring their own packed lunch.

What BrainSTEM provides

Program design and facilitation
Challenge content and student activities
LEGO and workshop materials
Registration and ticketing support
Event coordination
Social media recognition, where appropriate

All BrainSTEM staff involved hold valid Working With Children Checks. Attending staff also have appropriate first aid accreditation for an education and care setting.

Dates and format

The program is available during the Victorian school holiday period, including:
Monday 6 July to Friday 10 July 2026
Organisations can host the program on one day or across multiple days, with a different challenge theme offered each day.
Each day is designed for:
Minimum: 15 participants
Maximum: 30 participants
Age group: 10–14 years

Express your interest

BrainSTEM is inviting Melbourne organisations to host the School Holiday Innovation Challenge for employees and their families.

To express your interest, complete the form below:

Jotform URL: [Insert Jotform link]