Story of My Book
Innovation for Everyone: Solving Real-World Problems with STEM is a step-by-step guidebook for young people and learners of all ages to begin solving real-world problems and creating a positive impact on their communities.
We’re constantly seeing global problems on the news and around us - COVID-19, the climate crisis, human rights violations, and so much more. But what if today’s youth could be a part of the solutions?
Hi there! My name is Neha Shukla and I am the author of Innovation for Everyone: Solving Real-World Problems with STEM, a nonfiction book that explores how young people today can use science and technology to create solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges and create a positive impact on their communities.
I wrote this book to inspire youth to get involved with problem-solving and STEM to address problems they observe in their local communities, and take tangible steps towards creating this impact. I wanted to break the stereotype and show students that you're never too young to make a change, and that your age, gender, or race shouldn't be barriers to getting started with STEM fields and innovation.
With massive global problems rising more than ever before, we need everyone to create solutions, and youth are a huge untapped resource for global and grassroots change. Ultimately, I hope to create a new generation of problem-solvers and innovators tackling the world's greatest problems through innovation, science, and technology - because innovation is for everyone.
The Inspiration for the Book
I was inspired to write this book because as a teen innovator myself, I've been creating solutions to problems ever since I was about 10 years old. But, my innovation journey truly began at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. When I saw how the pandemic was directly impacting my community and the world, I invented SixFeetApart, a wearable social-distancing device to slow the spread of COVID-19 using the latest developments in ultrasonic technology and microprocessors. My work in creating SixFeetApart was featured on the New York Times, Nasdaq screen in Times Square, ABC, Harper's Bazaar, and more.
From there, I began sharing my story and my 4-step innovation framework to students K-12 in global Innovation & STEM workshops, where I've reached over 54,000 students across the globe so far. My goal is to build a movement of young problem-solvers and innovators coming together to solve problems and impact their local communities.
The Book: Innovation for Everyone
In this book, you'll learn about how to channel your ideas and imagination into tangible innovations that make an impact, using some of the most cutting-edge technology of today - all in a simple and easy-to-understand way!
You'll learn about the simple, 4-step innovation framework that anyone can use to solve problems - Identify, Innovate, Iterate, and Impact. Actionable and step-by-step guidance on the innovation process, going over picking problems, ideating solutions, researching, prototyping with technology, sharing your solutions, pitching your ideas, and more!
And you'll read:
- Expert interviews from top leaders in innovation and education, like the Former Advisor to Bill Gates, scientists, CEOs, content creators, Venture Capitalists, and community leaders.
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Interactive worksheets for students to follow along and build their own innovations as they read the book! Can be used by teachers and parents to support students in the classroom.
- Decoding how students can begin working with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, 3D printing, microprocessors, mobile apps, virtual reality, and more.
- How students can leverage their innovations to gain community support and continue their education through STEM competitions, scholarships, and college applications.
You will love this book if you're a young person, parent, educator, or organization looking to take action and create an impact on your community by combining your passions with real-world problems to innovate solutions.
Innovation for Everyone: Solving Real-World Problems with STEM is a nonfiction book that speaks to youth, schools, and organizations who want to look at innovation and community impact in a new way.
The Event
When you preorder a paperback of my book, you’ll get tickets to the virtual Innovation for Everyone Launch Event! The event will be an exclusive launch party with keynote speakers from top leaders in innovation and education, listen to iconic music performers, and experience a fun and immersive event! Each preorder package (besides the Ebook package) includes tickets to the virtual Book Launch event, so all of you can join the exciting community!
When you attend the Book Launch Event...
- You'll learn from top leaders about the process of innovation, like the Former Advisor to Bill Gates, and executives from global companies.
- You’ll get an inside look on the current state of innovation and hear from leaders and youth on how to make an impact
- Leaders in science and technology industries will featured and you’ll hear how students can become innovators and gain community support through scholarships, competitions, and grants
- You’ll walk away with a clear vision on how YOU can take action and make an impact on your community
Not to mention some bonus goodies you get for attending the event!
You’ll be getting a fresh off the press, first edition, signed copy of my book! Along with some other perks I will touch on later that come along with joining my Author Community. (As an attendee, you’ll automatically become a part of my Author Community and get a behind the scenes look on my publishing journey.)
Exclusive Perks & What You’ll Get from Preordering
I am also offering some exclusive rewards for people who pre-order now:
- You will receive a personally signed copy of my book when I publish
- You will receive a ticket to my virtual and in-person launch events
- Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book (“with Special Thanks to”).
- You will receive early access to the Introduction and some excerpts from my book, with the opportunity to review it and give me early feedback.
- You will have the opportunity to be involved in selecting my cover and title.
- You will be invited to join my Author Community and get behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into the publishing process.
- Exclusive custom swag, like stickers and bookmarks
- And more!
About the Author
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Neha Shukla is a high-school junior at Cumberland Valley High School in Pennsylvania, USA. She is a 17-year old innovator and change-maker passionate about leveraging science and technology to create positive change in our communities. Working to solve real-world problems using STEM, she invented SixFeetApart, a wearable social-distancing device to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. SixFeetApart was featured in the New York Times, Nasdaq Screen in Times Square, ABC, and more.
Neha was recognized as a 2021 Global Teen Leader representing the United States for her innovations, and her work was recognized by President Biden and the Royal Family in the UK. She was recently named on the Future50 list of the top 50 tech leaders alongside Elon Musk and Tim Cook, and was also featured in a campaign with Harper’s Bazaar and Olay for the International Day of Girls in Science.
As she continues innovating, Neha runs global innovation & STEM workshops and has impacted over 54,000 students to-date and is working to build the next-generation of young innovators and problem-solvers tackling the world’s biggest challenges.
When she's not working on new innovations or outreach, Neha loves to spend time playing the piano and guitar, playing outside with her younger sister, spending time with family, and eating lots of pizza!
To follow Neha's journey as a young innovator and advocate, follow her on social media:
For corporate sponsorships and event requests, feel free to reach out at nehashukla,eventrequest@gmail.com
Visit Neha's website at https://www.neha-shukla.com to learn more.
International Preorders
For international preorders, please do the following:
Identify the perk that interests you
Select the pink "Back it" button to "Make a contribution" for the same amount (this choice bypasses the shipping address page)
Use this form (https://forms.gle/zrwSLtQqXQh4DM2W7) to share your mailing address, so I can calculate the international shipping costs and invoice you for that amount via PayPal/Venmo.
Other Ways You Can Help
Not everyone can support, but that doesn't mean you can't get something out of it!
I will reward the top 3 people who refer the most backers at the end of the campaign (30 days). Here's how:
At the top of the campaign page, you will see the "share" buttons. Click on the "chain" icon to get a custom link just for you. (Note: don't use the URL in the browser window as it won't work to track referrals and you won't get credit ?)
Copy that link and paste it on your social media, email it to a friend, or text a fellow book lover.
When someone clicks on that link and backs the book, you get 1 entry!
Please use #innovationforeveryone and tag me as well as my publisher, New Degree Press, so we can help amplify your efforts!
Tag:
Instagram @thenehashukla / @newdegreepress
LinkedIn - @nehashukla / @NewDegreePress
Twitter - @thenehashukla / @NewDegreePress
Thank you so much for of all of your love and support!
With love and optimism,
Neha
