Thomas Edison Pitch Contest
The Thomas Edison Pitch Contest is a student competition that encourages invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship before students reach college. In its 16th year of programming, the program is open to students in grades 4–12, challenging students to develop original inventions that solve real-world problems and pitch their ideas to professionals in science and entrepreneurship.
Participants have the opportunity to learn about STEM, history, and entrepreneurship in one integrated experience, receive a free Maker Kit with inventing supplies and a teacher stipend, collaborate with peers, and compete for prizes, including a 3D printer for their school.
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Black Maria Award & Workshop
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As part of the Thomas Edison Pitch Contest, our Black Maria program provides a virtual educational Zoom workshop and mentoring experience designed to help students strengthen their video storytelling, editing and interpretation skills. The program supports students as they prepare their video submissions and encourages clear, creative communication of their ideas.
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The contest also includes the Black Maria Award, which is administered through our Black Maria program and recognizes outstanding final video submissions that demonstrate strong storytelling, originality, and connection to innovation. The award is open to all contest participants who submit a final video, whether or not they attend the workshop.
Other Educational & Cultural Programs
Thomas Edison Film Festival
The Thomas Edison Film Festival (formerly known as the Black Maria Film Festival) has been celebrating and advancing the unique power of the short film for over 40 years. Their mission is to promote innovation and advocate for independent filmmakers through a juried international competition celebrating all genres and hybrids from filmmakers around the world.
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For the festival’s 40th anniversary, our Black Maria program program serves as a key partner in planning and facilitating anniversary programming, contributing to curatorial planning, on-site event setup, and educational presentations. Black Maria's involvement includes participation in program development and live programming that highlights the origins of motion pictures and Thomas A. Edison’s role in early film innovation.
Seton Hall Preparatory Intern Program
Under the supervision of the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, a chosen group of high school students from Seton Hall Preparatory School spend the summer helping with maintenance, curatorial programs, visitors and more.