BKFK and State of Maryland Announce Statewide Inventing Thinking Educational Program

NAPOLIS, MD., September 22, 2005 BKFK Company (BKFK) announced today a statewide initiative for the state of Maryland. The first of its kind, BKFK is striving to stimulate all kids into learning critical life skills through inventing. With a fully integrated approach of reaching to kids in schools and on the internet, BKFK is giving every kid the opportunity to see their ideas become a reality. Kids have tremendous creative potential that has long gone unrecognized. These natural abilities have no boundaries. This initiative nurtures and empowers the designers, engineers, inventors, innovators, and artists of tomorrow.

The first phase of this initiative began today with the launch of the Inventing Thinking Educational Program. The program will be used throughout the state of Maryland to inspire creative thinking in students. The program is based on The United States Patent and Trademark Office Project XL and has been updated by a leading panel of educators.

“The Inventive Thinking Toolkit is a ‘process’ to support existing curriculum to achieve the national education standards including the No Child Left Behind mandate, “explains BKFK founder Norman Goldstein. Each Inventive Thinking Toolkit contains 1-Teacher Guide, 1-DVD, 30-Student Guides, 1-Poster and an example of a successful kid invention.

The toolkit is being distributed free of charge to public schools across the state. It is also downloadable free of charge on the BKFK web site at http://www.bkfk.com.

At a press reception this morning in the Governor’s reception room in the Maryland State Capital Building, BKFK’s Norman Goldstein said, “The Inventive Thinking program, available to children and teachers throughout the state of Maryland will help Maryland children enhance their creative ideas and inventions while building self esteem and entrepreneurial skills.” Also speaking at the press conference were Maryland First Lady Kendel S. Ehrlich and Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Grasmick.

The second phase kicks off later this fall with a statewide invention competition. The Maryland Challenge aims to inspire, support and celebrate the abundant creative potential of ALL Maryland kids. “Cool School Tools Challenge” is open to all residents of Maryland in grades K-12. Kids are invited to submit their “Cool School Tools” (specifically, school related ideas, products, supplies and innovations) and the best ideas will be recognized and rewarded. Kids are encouraged to start thinking about their inventions now so that they will be ready to submit in November.

Winners of the competition will receive a licensing contract from BKFK in order to have their invention commercially developed.

BKFK is the leading integrated marketing, branding and licensing company in America dedicated to making kids’ ideas a reality. BKFK strives to promote self-esteem and entrepreneurial leadership of innovative kids by taking their inventions and creative ideas from the drawing boards to the boardrooms, onto retail shelves and into the media spotlight. Distribution of the Inventive Thinking program in Maryland was made possible through the generous support of the Xerox Corporation who has a deep rooted culture in and commitment to innovation.

Kids and educators interested in learning how their ideas can become a reality should visit http://www.bkfk.com/

BKFK Co., a closely held corporation based in Stamford, Conn., is the sole leading company in America entirely dedicated to inspiring the innovative spirit within every kid. BKFK Co. inspires and rewards kids for innovation excellence and encourages young people to pursue problem-solving in their educations and careers. BKFK represents some of the most brilliant young minds in America. For more information about BKFK, visit www.bkfk.com

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