Program

Gates Invention & Innovation Program

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  • Tinker, create, innovate.

    A simple motto that starts a year of discovery for inventors in the Gates Invention and Innovation Program.
Through the Gates Invention and Innovation program, motivated students in Grades 5-8 have the opportunity to invent a new product and possibly earn a U.S. patent. Funded from an endowment created by Charles C. Gates ‘34, the program has been a source of pride for Graland since 1999. 

The program culminates in March at the Gates Expo, where students display and demonstrate their unique inventions. By the day's end, 10-15 finalists are chosen to make a separate presentation to the judges who evaluate inventions for functionality, creativity, marketability and clarity of communication. The products are also considered for patent viability and to date, the program has helped dozens of student inventors receive patents for their inventions.

History of the Gates Program

Established 1999

About Charles C. Gates

The Gates Invention and Innovation Program is named for alumnus Charles C. Gates ’34. He believed all children are natural inventors, unafraid to explore new ideas or take old ideas apart. His experience at Graland, during which he was encouraged to think creatively, inspired him to fund the program and competition through a generous endowment. He died in 2005, but his daughter, Diane Gates ’69 Wallach, is still closely involved as a program mentor.

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  • 26

    students have received patents for their Gates inventions.

History Timeline

Gates Coaches

Gates coaches

act as resources to guide students in the development of their innovations or inventions. The coaches help, but they do not design or build. 

Coaches:
  • Keep students on track with deadlines.
  • Ensure needed supplies and equipment are available.
  • Assist with budgeting.
  • Nurture and guide.
  • Conduct preliminary reviews of projects to ensure compliance with competition requirements.

List of 7 items.

  • Sean Keefe

    Flex Teacher, Athletic Coach
    Critical thinker who seeks to support students and colleagues via empathy and concentrated problem solving.
  • Jorge Chavez

    Co-Director Gates Invention Program
    Innovation Specialist
    Brings tech skills and is the 3D printer expert. Can source materials online in a flash.
  • Steve Collins

    Science Teacher
    Global perspective on problem-solving having lived and worked overseas in Africa as a former Peace Corps volunteer. A strong analytical yet creative thinker.
  • Andrea Crane

    Art Teacher
    Uses creativity and marketing expertise to guide inventors in creating visually appealing presentations.
  • Andy Dodge

    Co-Director Gates Invention Program
    Science Teacher and Science Dept. Chair
    Science minded thinker who clearly sees the root of problems and challenges inventors to think of multiple solutions.
  • Meggan Dodge

    Math Teacher
    Has an uncanny ability to understand the minds of young inventors. With a mathematical background, asks questions that bring precision and detail to their thinking.  
  • Oscar Gonzalez

    Director of Equity & Inclusivity
    A lover of LEGOS and hands-on building. Guides students to walk in others' shoes and ensures inventors never lose sight of the empathic problem they're solving. 

List of 7 items.

  • Elizabeth Leddy

    Innovation Specialist
    Offers a strong science background and innovative thinking, guiding budding inventors to use the design thinking process. Encourages failure as a means to success. 

  • Mitch Masters

    History Teacher
    The tool guy who teaches inventors how to get the results they want. Loves to deconstruct things and put them back together.
  • Justin Miera

    Music Teacher
    Divergent thinker who opens doors to broader possibilities. Challenges inventors to imagine ideas that are outside the box.
  • Dan O'Neill

    Drama Teacher
    A dramatically minded thinker who focuses on student confidence with presentations. Challenges inventors to go boldly with joy and poise.
  • Dana Rankin

    Purchasing Manager
    Teaches sewing machine skills and runs other power tools. Uses her purchasing know-how to ensure needed supplies are on hand for inventors.
  • Ashleigh Stepanian

    Lead Librarian 
    Brings an eye for detail and an empathetic, positive approach. A skilled researcher and writer who helps inventors articulate their ideas.
  • Martin Twarogowski

    Director of Innovative Learning
    Gives tech minded help with all things digital, including the 3D rendering tools and app development.

Gates Program in the News

Videos

Radio

Graland Country Day School

Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.