Youth Innovation
3D Creation：The 3D Invention & Toy Design Program
EP3 completed or G4+
(*Selected Required)
Program Description
- Coming Fall 2026
- Phase 1: Sep 2026 – Jan 2027｜17 Sessions
- Phase 2: Feb 2027 – Jun 2027｜17 Sessions
From bold imagination, to real product creation, to the global competitive stage — this is where ideas become reality.
Have you ever imagined that a child’s wild and original idea could become a toy that is not only designed and built, but actually showcased on a global stage? From a sketch at the family table to the international spotlight of the Chicago Toy Show, MGA creates that pathway for young innovators.
This is not just another enrichment class. It is a selective maker lab designed for curious and capable students in Grade 4 and above. Across two stages and approximately 56 sessions, students learn to use 3D printing as a powerful tool for invention, crossing the boundaries of art, engineering, and product design to create work that is visually appealing, functional, marketable, and competition-ready.
Here, every project is treated as a real invention. Students do not simply complete assignments — they develop authentic products, refine them through feedback and iteration, and prepare them for presentation in a competitive setting. By the end of the year, they leave not with only a certificate, but with real 3D inventions, real product development experience, and a competition journey worthy of inclusion in any future portfolio or application.
Program Overview
PHASE 1 - Explore × Create × Sell
- 15 Group Sessions + 1 Demo Day
- Plus 1–2 flexible one-on-one mentoring sessions
- Selective admission · Max 4 students per class
>>Phase 1 Overview:
Phase 1 is the exploration stage. Students move through three creative tracks and experience the full cycle of design → model → print → sell.
Three Tracks:
- Digital Art Collectibles — Design original art pieces with strong visual style and creative identity.
- Industrial Prototype Design — Build product-style prototypes with a focus on structure, form, and function.
- Everyday Tool Invention — Identify real-life problems and invent practical tools with user value.
>>Students Will Also Learn:
3D modeling with Tinkercad and Fusion 360
Product branding, pricing, packaging, and presentation
Sales pitch skills and real marketplace experience
Product refinement through customer feedback and sales data
Phase 1 Demo Day with certificate and Phase 2 qualification
PHASE 2 - Design × Compete × Showcase Globally
- 14 Group sessions + 1 Final Showcase
- Plus 2 flexible one-on-one mentoring sessions
- For Phase 1 graduates only
>>Phase 2 Overview:
Phase 2 is the competition stage. Students choose either toy design or board game design and prepare for Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) 2027, with the opportunity to showcase at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair.
Focus Areas:
Competition strategy and winning project analysis
Advanced concept development and product refinement
Multiple rounds of modeling, printing, and testing
Competition-level branding, packaging, and presentation
Video production and official submission materials
Final Demo Day with public showcase and inventor portfolio
About The Competition
What Level of Competition Is YIC?
Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) is one of the most respected international competitions in youth toy invention. Organized by People of Play, part of the U.S. toy industry community, YIC has been held for over 20 years and hosts its international finals each November at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG). The competition is open to young inventors ages 6–18 from around the world.
168 participants in 2024
5 countries and regions represented
20+ years of competition history
200+ hours of in-depth judging
Where Have Past Winning Ideas Gone?
A number of past entries have gone on to be licensed by major toy companies such as Hasbro, Mattel, and Pressman Toy, with products later sold through major retail channels including Target and Amazon.
For young inventors, this is a real gateway to the global toy industry.
How Do MGA Students Participate?
Students who complete Phase 2 will officially submit their inventions to YIC 2027 as individual competitors and may have the opportunity to showcase their work in person at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. MGA provides full support throughout the process, including competition strategy, submission materials, video production, and final submission guidance, helping each student step onto the global stage with confidence.
Who Should Apply
Who Is This Program For?
Students in Grade 4 and above
With developing spatial reasoning and creative thinking skills
Hands-on makers
Students who genuinely enjoy building, inventing, and creating
Curious young creators
Interested in invention, art, or engineering — not just admiring ideas, but bringing them to life
Students with future academic goals
Looking to strengthen middle or high school applications with meaningful project-based achievements