Who will invent the next collapsible scooter, Tonka truck or G.I. Joe action figure? Youngsters in the "Kids Invent Toys" program will be displaying some wild new playthings this summer at UIC's College of Business Administration. Up to 20 grade-school students from Chicago's Near West Side will display toys created with their own hands while learning about entrepreneurship. "Kids Invent Toys" stimulates the creative instincts of children to invent by having them design and build mock-ups of toys, and prepare corresponding business plans and marketing materials, including a Web-based homepage, to showcase their creations.

Aug. 13 Exhibit of students' projects in a public "Toy Fair" 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

UIC Student Services Building Conference rooms A, B and C 1200 W. Harrison St. (corner of Harrison and Racine)

Designed as a one-week summer camp, "Kids Invent Toys" is offered by the UIC College of Business Administration in conjunction with Urban Options, a nonprofit organization focused on youth entrepreneurship.

As they develop their toys, participants make presentations to the Toy Factory management team, think through the price/cost structure for their toys, and work with other children in a variety of tasks. The management team reviews their conceptual designs, business plans and mock-ups.

The aim of the program is to inspire participants to continue to invent and develop their toys and to seek commercial opportunities after "Kids Invent Toys" has concluded. Students are encouraged to enter invention contests and to showcase inventions at the national Toy Hall of Fame.