Felix is deeply committed to a clean Earth, but he sees a stark reality: the world is nowhere near the level of cleanliness it should be. Believing that we need massive intervention to make the planet "squeaky clean," he designed a solution equal to the task: a specialized cleaning robot. This creation is far beyond the scope of a typical household assistant. Felix's robot is a "cleaning maniac" built for the environment—a tireless traveler designed to methodically cover and purify every inch of land and every body of water on Earth, guaranteeing a universally clean habitat for all inhabitants.
artist Felix 1st Grade Operation Breakthrough
In Yvonne’s artwork, it shows her invention Old Times, a colorful time-travel door that lets people go back and visit the loved ones they miss. Yvonne noticed that many people, young and old, wish they could have just one more moment with someone who is no longer here. Her invention gives people a chance to return to a special time in their past-whether it’s to see a grandparent, a friend, or someone important to them. It allows people to step back into memories and experiences with the people they love most. It brings comfort, connection and a way to honor the people we love. Yvonne wanted to share the feeling of imagining a way to visit her loved ones again through her art. Her piece shows that even though we can’t really go back into time, our memories and love keep those moments alive.
artist Yvonne 2nd Grade University Academy
Mentor Jeremiah Senior Park Hill High School
Islani noticed that many kids feel scared of Halloween and things like Jack-O’-Lanterns. Fall and winter can also feel gloomy, and Islani wanted to find a way to make this time of year feel brighter and happier for everyone. To solve this problem, she created the Jack-O’-Lantern Guitar, an invention that plays cheerful music during the fall and winter months. She designed it to spread joy rather than fear. By turning something scary into something musical and fun, her invention reminds people not to judge things by how they look and helps bring positivity to the season.
artist Islani 1st Grade Citizens Of The World
Mentor Suleyman Junior Lincoln High School
Willow absolutely loves playing with the toy kitchen at school, but she felt a bit sad because putting fake food in a plastic oven wasn't actually teaching her super chef skills! She has a big dream: she wants to learn how to cook so she can one day make yummy meals for the homeless and cook a special dinner for her family to thank them. To make her dream happen, Willow invented an amazing new idea: the Virtual Kitchen! This special virtual reality kitchen is designed to teach young kids how to cook in a safe, awesome, and hands-on way. Willow knew that using virtual reality would make sure nobody ever gets burned while still giving everyone a real feel for being a fantastic chef!
artist Willow 1st Grade Operation Breakthrough
mentor Gia Junior Center High School
Concerned by the rise of screen time replacing outdoor interaction, Mykayla recognized that kids are no longer socializing outside with their friends. Her answer is the development of an extraordinary interactive jumping robot. This companion is engineered to be a dynamic playmate that actively encourages children to go outside, play, and engage with the world, all while providing a layer of safety. Mykayla understands that some view robots with skepticism, seeing them as a potential societal risk. She emphasizes that this particular invention is the opposite—it's a tool for positive change, uniquely crafted to enhance the appeal of the outdoors and transform it into a more engaging experience for children.
artist Mykayla 6th Grade Citizens Of The World
mentor Ty’luv Freshman Hogan Prep Academy
Charlotte created the Cat Computer — a special invention made for people who love cats and watching fun videos. She noticed that sometimes kids don’t get a turn to use the computer at home, and it can be frustrating when you have to wait for someone else to finish. She wanted to make something that gives kids their own place to learn, play and relax. A cute, cat-themed computer that makes watching videos easier and more fun. Everything on it is design with cats, cat ears, cat colors, and even cat shaped screen-so it feels friendly and comforting. It helps people enjoy technology in a calmer and happier way.
artist Charlotte 1st Grade Citizens Of The World
Mentor Mykia Freshman University Academy
Jasper recognized a significant challenge in the world: Individuals who have lost the ability to move their arms and legs often face limited opportunities to regain that function. Current solutions are frequently invasive or expensive. To address this, he has invented the Unstoppable Body Suit—an affordable, wearable uniform. This suit works to restore movement by helping individuals regain control and strength in their limbs. Ultimately, it empowers them to stand, walk, reach, and fully interact with the world in ways they previously couldn't.
artist Jasper 5th Grade Hogan Prep Academy
Holiday greetings from young visionaries The artwork in these galleries represents more than creativity — it’s a glimpse into the future envisioned by Operation Breakthrough students we proudly support.
Click to enter
The artwork in these galleries represents more than creativity — it’s a glimpse into the future envisioned by Operation Breakthrough students we proudly support. Young students answered the question, "if you invented something that could change the world, what would it be?" Older student mentors brought their ideas to life. Their designs remind us why we invest in education and opportunity: to empower the next generation to build a world of difference. Click on the images to learn more about the artist and their world-changing inventions Operation Breakthrough is a nonprofit that empowers children and families in underserved communities through early childhood education and STEM learning.
Specialized Cleaning Robot Felix is deeply committed to a clean Earth, but he sees a stark reality: the world is nowhere near the level of cleanliness it should be. Believing that we need massive intervention to make the planet "squeaky clean," he designed a solution equal to the task: a specialized cleaning robot. This creation is far beyond the scope of a typical household assistant. Felix's robot is a "cleaning maniac" built for the environment—a tireless traveler designed to methodically cover and purify every inch of land and every body of water on Earth, guaranteeing a universally clean habitat for all inhabitants.
artist Felix 1st Grade I Operation Breakthrough
About the exhibit
Specialized Cleaning Robot Felix I 1st Grade
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THE INNOVATION GALLERY
The artwork in these galleries represents more than creativity — it’s a glimpse into the future envisioned by Operation Breakthrough students we proudly support. Young students answered the question "if you invented something that could change the world, what would it be?" Older student mentors brought their ideas to life. Their designs remind us why we invest in education and opportunity: to empower the next generation to build a world of difference. Operation Breakthrough is a nonprofit that empowers children and families in underserved communities through early childhood education and STEM learning.
Home
The Innovation Gallery
Jack-O'-Lantern Guitar Islani noticed that many kids feel scared of Halloween and things like Jack-O’-Lanterns. Fall and winter can also feel gloomy, and Islani wanted to find a way to make this time of year feel brighter and happier for everyone. To solve this problem, she created the Jack-O’-Lantern Guitar, an invention that plays cheerful music during the fall and winter months. She designed it to spread joy rather than fear. By turning something scary into something musical and fun, her invention reminds people not to judge things by how they look and helps bring positivity to the season.
artist Islani 1st Grade I Citizens Of The World
Mentor Suleyman Junior I Lincoln High School
Old Times In Yvonne’s artwork, it shows her invention Old Times, a colorful time-travel door that lets people go back and visit the loved ones they miss. Yvonne noticed that many people, young and old, wish they could have just one more moment with someone who is no longer here. Her invention gives people a chance to return to a special time in their past-whether it’s to see a grandparent, a friend, or someone important to them. It allows people to step back into memories and experiences with the people they love most. It brings comfort, connection and a way to honor the people we love. Yvonne wanted to share the feeling of imagining a way to visit her loved ones again through her art. Her piece shows that even though we can’t really go back into time, our memories and love keep those moments alive.
artist Yvonne 2nd Grade I University Academy
Mentor Jeremiyah Senior I Park Hill High School
the Innovation Gallery Click on the images to learn more about the artist and their world-changing inventions
The Envision Gallery
about the exhibit
Old Timest Yvonne I 2nd Grade
Jack-O'-Lantern Guitar Islani I 1st Grade
Specialized Cleaning Robot Felix I 1st Grade I Operation Breakthrough Click on the image to learn more about Felix's world-changing invention
Specialized Cleaning Robot Felix is deeply committed to a clean Earth, but he sees a stark reality: the world is nowhere near the level of cleanliness it should be. Believing that we need massive intervention to make the planet "squeaky clean," he designed a solution equal to the task: a specialized cleaning robot. This creation is far beyond the scope of a typical household assistant. Felix's robot is a "cleaning maniac" built for the environment — a tireless traveler designed to methodically cover and purify every inch of land and every body of water on Earth, guaranteeing a universally clean habitat for all inhabitants.
The Envision Gallery Click on the images to learn more about the artist and their world-changing inventions
The Creative gallery
Unstoppable Body Suit Jasper recognized a significant challenge in the world: Individuals who have lost the ability to move their arms and legs often face limited opportunities to regain that function. Current solutions are frequently invasive or expensive. To address this, he has invented the Unstoppable Body Suit — an affordable, wearable uniform. This suit works to restore movement by helping individuals regain control and strength in their limbs. Ultimately, it empowers them to stand, walk, reach, and fully interact with the world in ways they previously couldn't.
artist Jasper 5th Grade I Hogan Prep Academy
Interactive Jumping Robot Concerned by the rise of screen time replacing outdoor interaction, Mykayla recognized that kids are no longer socializing outside with their friends. Her answer is the development of an extraordinary interactive jumping robot. This companion is engineered to be a dynamic playmate that actively encourages children to go outside, play, and engage with the world, all while providing a layer of safety. Mykayla understands that some view robots with skepticism, seeing them as a potential societal risk. She emphasizes that this particular invention is the opposite — it's a tool for positive change, uniquely crafted to enhance the appeal of the outdoors and transform it into a more engaging experience for children.
artist Mykayla 6th Grade I Citizens Of The World
Mentor Ty’luv Freshman I Hogan Prep Academy
Interactive Jumping Robot Mykayla I 6th Grade
Unstoppable Body Suit Jasper I 5th Grade
Old Times Yvonne I 2nd Grade I University Academy Click on the image to learn more about Yvonne's world-changing invention
Cat Computer Charlotte created the Cat Computer — a special invention made for people who love cats and watching fun videos. She noticed that sometimes kids don’t get a turn to use the computer at home, and it can be frustrating when you have to wait for someone else to finish. She wanted to make something that gives kids their own place to learn, play and relax. A cute, cat-themed computer that makes watching videos easier and more fun. Everything on it is design with cats, cat ears, cat colors, and even cat shaped screen-so it feels friendly and comforting. It helps people enjoy technology in a calmer and happier way.
artist Charlotte 1st Grade I Citizens Of The World
Mentor Mykia Freshman I University Academy
Cat Computer Charlotte I 1st Grade
The Virtual Kitchen Willow I 1st Grade
The Virtual Kitchen Willow absolutely loves playing with the toy kitchen at school, but she felt a bit sad because putting fake food in a plastic oven wasn't actually teaching her super chef skills! She has a big dream: she wants to learn how to cook so she can one day make yummy meals for the homeless and cook a special dinner for her family to thank them. To make her dream happen, Willow invented an amazing new idea: the Virtual Kitchen! This special virtual reality kitchen is designed to teach young kids how to cook in a safe, awesome, and hands-on way. Willow knew that using virtual reality would make sure nobody ever gets burned while still giving everyone a real feel for being a fantastic chef!
artist Willow 1st Grade I Operation Breakthrough
mentor Gia Junior I Center High School
The creative Gallery Click on the images to learn more about the artist and their world-changing inventions
Gift shop
Jack-O'-Lantern Guitar Islani I 1st Grade I Citizens Of The World Click on the image to learn more about Islani's world-changing invention
Happy Holidays Join Black & Veatch in supporting the next generation of artists and innovators.
The Creative Gallery
The Virtual Kitchen Willow I 1st Grade I Operation Breakthrough Click on the image to learn more about Willow's world-changing invention
Mentor Gia Junior Central High School
Click to Support Operation Breakthrough
Interactive Jumping Robot Mykayla I 6th Grade I Citizens Of The World Click on the image to learn more about Mykayla's world-changing invention
Interactive Jumping Robot Concerned by the rise of screen time replacing outdoor interaction, Mykayla recognized that kids are no longer socializing outside with their friends. Her answer is the development of an extraordinary interactive jumping robot. This companion is engineered to be a dynamic playmate that actively encourages children to go outside, play, and engage with the world, all while providing a layer of safety. Mykayla understands that some view robots with skepticism, seeing them as a potential societal risk. She emphasizes that this particular invention is the opposite—it's a tool for positive change, uniquely crafted to enhance the appeal of the outdoors and transform it into a more engaging experience for children.
Mentor Ty’luv Freshman Hogan Prep Academy
Unstoppable Body Suit Jasper I 5th Grade I Hogan Prep Academy Click on the image to learn more about Jasper's world-changing invention
Cat Computer Charlotte I 1st Grade I Citizens Of The World Click on the image to learn more about Charlotte's world-changing invention
MENTOR Mykia Freshman University Academy
