Engineering For Kids featured on 2 KASA This Morning

Engineering For Kids of New Mexico franchisee, Michael Cumbo, was featured on 2 KASA This Morning, Albuquerque. The segment shows Michael talking about Engineering For Kids can offer, as well as the importance of getting more girls involved and interested in STEM education. 

Click here to view the segment or view below: 

Engineering For Kids in The News-Herald

Engineering For Kids has been featured in The News-Herald in an article titled, "STEM franchisee looks to partner with area schools." The article talks about how Alyssa Choraszewski, who covers the Dearborn and Downriver areas, is interested in bringing engineering education to local schools. Click here for the entire article or begin below.

STEM franchisee looks to partner with area schools
By: Laura Zoochi 

While the headquarters of Engineering for Kids might be in Virginia, a franchisee is interested in bringing after-school engineering education to students in the Downriver and Dearborn areas.

Alyssa Choraszewski said her Farmington-based franchise business focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM, education. She said it focuses mainly on engineering because a lot of STEM programs only put a focus on math and science.

The program is for children ages 4 to 14 and involves a series of after-school programs including workshops, parties and assemblies. The educational learning is divided by ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 14.

(Read More) 

Engineering For Kids Featured in Ahwatukee Foothill News

Engineering For Kids featured in Ahwatukee Foothill News in an article titled, "New Program gives kids a glimpse at engineering." The article begins with some details about Engineering For Kids and how Founder and CEO Dori Roberts noticed the interest her own young children had in engineering at a young age, which led to the founding of EFK. The article then provides information about Ron and Lan’s Engineering For Kids in Ahwatukee Foothills and a quote from Ron talking about how they’re hoping to inspire young minds in Arizona. Click here for the entire article or begin below.

New Program gives kids a glimpse at engineering
By: Allison Hurtado

Think a preschooler can’t understand engineering? One new company in Ahwatukee Foothills is out to prove they can.

Engineering for Kids is an after-school program for ages 4 to 14 that teaches engineering skills to kids through hands-on experiences with robots; airplanes and rockets; solids, liquids and solutions; plants; toys; roller coasters; LEGOS; and even video games, in hopes that they might begin thinking more critically and maybe some day even consider engineering as a career.

It may seem like a stretch to imagine young kids doing the same things aerospace and chemical engineers do, but Engineering for Kids founder and CEO Dori Roberts said it came naturally for her own young kids and that’s why she felt inspired to share it.

(Read More) 

Engineering for Kids in the Queens Chronicle

Engineering for Kids in the Queens Chronicle in an article titled, "Boro youth show off engineering skills." The article begins with some details about the Saturday classes offered by De and Lupita Chen and how it’s making kids excited to learn the STEM fields. The article goes into detail about the specific egg drop activity that took place during this particular session, and how the kids engineered their egg vessels. The article then gives more information about Engineering for Kids, how it supplements STEM education, and ends with information about the future of the Chens’ program. Click here for the entire article or begin below.

Boro youth show off engineering skills
By: Domenick Rafter

It’s Saturday morning in Jackson Heights. Outside the Renaissance Charter School at 81st Street and 37th Avenue, young children begin filing into the facility for class.

But there is little resistance to going into a classroom at 10 a.m. on a weekend. Instead, these kids, who range in age from 6 to 13, are excited and anticipatory.

Lupita Chen, one of their two instructors, tells a parent the plan for today.

“They’re going to develop protective packaging for eggs and drop them from different heights,” she said. “The kids are going to have fun with it.”

(Read More)

Engineering for Kids Featured in Nashville Business Journal

Engineering for kids was recently featured in the Nashville Business Journal in an article titled, "New kids' enrichment program focuses on science, tech, engineering, math".

The article is a Q&A with franchisee Neeti Agarwal about her Engineering For Kids in Nashville.  Neeti explains her background, how she got started with Engineering for Kids, some details about what Engineering for Kids offers, and her plans for the future.  The article also provides contact information for her location and some details about our franchise system.

Click HERE to read the full article with subscription or begin reading below:

New kids' enrichment program focuses on science, tech, engineering, math

Neeti Agarwal is owner of Engineering for Kids of Nashville (2206 Husker Court, Brentwood; 615-261-9937; www.engineeringforkids.net/location/nashville). She opened the business March 1. The organization offers after-school programs, camps, evening classes, in-school field trips, workshops and other activities for children ages 4 to 14. It is one of 15 franchises of Fredericksburg, Va.-based Engineering for Kids.

Please explain your background and how you came to launch this business. I am an electrical engineer, with more than 12 years of digital business analytics experience. I came across Engineering for Kids when I was researching after-school programs that teach the STEM (science, ...

Engineering for Kids Featured in The Marietta Daily Journal

Engineering for Kids was recently featured in The Marietta Daily Journal in an article titled, "STEM 'Engineering for Kids' program comes to Cobb".

The article includes information on the Engineering for Kids program and notes that Forbes considers engineering to be among the most promising paths for college students. Maureen Myrie notes that teaching a STEM-based program is going to be able to help prepare children for the global economy and says that most schools in the area are enthusiastic about Engineering for Kids.

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

STEM "Engineering for Kids" program comes to Cobb
By: Sarah Chambers

Cobb County children ages 4 to 14 soon will have exposure to industries that Forbes magazine considers to be among the most promising for college students. 

Engineering for Kids, a nationwide series of programs and classes designed to teach children about science, technology, engineering and mathematics, often referred to as STEM, will begin offering after-school programs and classes in metro Atlanta elementary and middle schools this fall, according to Maureen Myrie of Austell, the overseer for Engineering for Kids’ metro Atlanta programs and classes. 

Engineering for Kids featured on MyCentralJersey.com

Engineering for Kids was recently featured on MyCentralJersey.com in an article titled, "Engineering for Kids".

The article explains the Engineering for Kids concept, and New Jersey franchise owner Rupesh Bharad notes that he is proud to inspire children to study STEM. He says the curriculum engages students with real-world engineering experiences and can harness the potential of the next generation. The article provides information about summer classes including hours and the website for registration.

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

Engineering for kids

Summer camp, fall STEM programs now offered in Somerset County

By: Erica Lamberg

Engineering for Kids, a franchise in Somerset County, offers classes for children in the disciplines of civil, mechanical, aerospace, chemical and industrial engineering as well as robotics.

The classes aim to develop math and science skills. Summer camps are offered through the end of August and new courses begin in the fall.

“Engineering for Kids offers unique, fun-filled, educational programs,” said Rupesh Bharad, franchise owner. “We bring math, science, technology and engineering to children in a fun and challenging way through classes, camps, workshops, and birthday parties. We are proud to inspire children to build on their natural curiosity by teaching engineering concepts through hands-on learning.”

Franchisee Spotlight: Javier Garay

Javier Garay, 34 years old, was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New Orleans when he was seven and had to go through the first part of his schooling without speaking English, something he recalls vividly. His father was a chemical engineer at Dow Chemical and he also has an older brother and younger sister. Javier went to Harvard University majoring in economics (older brother also went to Harvard and younger sister went to Yale) and took a job with Merrill Lynch as a hedge fund trader. After six years, Javier decided to go to business school and went to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, earning an MBA in entrepreneurship. Most recently, Javier worked with Stevens Capital Management until the fourth quarter of 2012 before deciding to make a move to pursue something on his own. Despite his great successes, he wanted to cultivate his passion for children and learning, so he reached out to Dori Roberts, owner of Engineering For Kids.

The idea to start an Engineering for Kids franchise came to him in 2011 when his oldest son turned two and received a flashlight for his birthday. As his son played with the flashlight, discovering all of its parts, the link between engineering and education dawned on him. He fondly calls this the “flashlight incident.” Javier understands that children are natural born engineers who have unlimited imaginations and unbridled enthusiasm. He is passionate about helping children tap into their potential by exposing them to the role that engineers play in our daily lives. Javier speaks fluent Spanish, has been married for nine years and has three children.

How did you learn about the brand? I was looking online for entrepreneurial ideas that I could do with my son and came across the organization.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Engineering For Kids? It really was the flashlight incident. It was a moment that made me think, “Alright let’s go find something.” And when I found EFK and discovered it was a franchise, it was a good fit for me.

I am currently teaching at The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA and have secured space there in July for summer camps.  I will also be holding camps this summer at the Horsham Township Community Center in July and August. Long-term, I am planning to place registration on my EFK website and expand to other schools, libraries and community centers in my territory. There are well over 200 schools in my area and I hope to be able to service all of them. I currently teach on Mondays and Thursdays and I am making the preparations for summer camps this summer.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business? I am just getting underway, but I did meet with the head of the local township chamber of commerce.  I also hope to get involved with the local rotary club and was invited over there for weekly meetings. Getting more involved with the community is one of my next goals.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now? The biggest hurdle for me has been taking that leap and being self-employed after having a successful career on Wall Street for so many years. With a relatively young family it was definitely a tough decision, but luckily my wife and I have been able to make it work as she remains employed as well.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions? All of my waking hours are spent being a dad, but I love spending time with my family. I’m also an avid traveler and have been to over 35 countries in my life, not near as high as my wife who has been to over 50 countries.

Franchisee Spotlight: Neeti Agarwal

Neeti Agarwal and her husband are both engineers by trade, so when they heard about Engineeringfor Kids, they knew they could utilize their background to transition to this opportunity.

Neeti came to the United States 15 years ago with her husband to work in the engineering profession. Her husband is an industrial engineer and Neeti an electrical engineer who has been in the digital analytics business for Comscore for the past eight years. Before that, partly as a need to stay home to raise her kid, Neeti worked as a freelancer and consultant in the analytics business.

What do you have coming up to launch your Engineering for Kids business?

We have an open house planned for May 11 showcasing activities from our curriculum. We have hands-on activities planned for children such as designing and constructing rockets, roller coasters to robotics, and much more! 

How did you learn about the brand?

I have a 12-year-old daughter and was looking for after-school programs that can teach her Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics concepts through hands-on activities. I found EFK doing a Google search. Once I looked into the curriculum and program I knew it was a right fit for me.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Engineering for Kids?

I came to this country 15 years ago. This country has given me so much; I was looking for a way to give back to the community. I found the perfect opportunity through EFK. I love the curriculum. EFK makes learning fun.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

I recently worked with the middle Tennessee Girl Scouts on STEM stimulus day. I was there to talk about electrical engineers and did a small workshop on building a circuit from the EFK curriculum. I am looking forward to doing more outreach activities like this.

What will your staff be like when you offer the summer camps?

Right now, I have six part-time teachers and they’re going to teach the summer camps, but I’ll be there to supervise the EFK curriculum. Our teachers have a higher education background, whether currently in school, recently graduated, or seasoned educator; some are even Engineers! Each instructor goes through a national background check and complete training on our curriculum and classroom management. Our student teacher ratios are the lowest! 

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Engineering for Kids?

My end goal will be to collaborate with schools within Davidson and Williamson counties and offer the programs in partnership with them. I am considering adding more counties too.

What are some of the publications you read? Local? National? What is your goal publication with your business?

The Tennessean and other local papers in Nashville and surrounding areas would be good to be in. The Nashville Parent already covered a press release on me, and I advertised there.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I like to teach kids math and I also paint and cook a lot.

Engineering for Kids Featured on WTVF News Channel 5

Engineering for Kids was recently featured on WTVF News Channel 5 in a segment titled, "Local Kids Get Big Lesson In Math and Science".

WTVF News Channel 5, Nashville’s CBS affiliate, came out for EFK's open house at the Brentwood Library. The segment showed video of the open house at the Brentwood Library, kids getting excited and enjoying the engineering activities, and the Engineering For Kids logo. The clip included a quote from Nashville EFK owner Neeti Agarwal saying, "The fun part of it, you know, not being in a classroom. Having fun and learning at the same time without knowing you're learning something.”

Click HERE to view the segment on the WTVF News Channel 5 website or view below:




NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather

Franchisee Spotlight: Patty Potts

Before starting her own Engineering for Kids franchise, Patty Potts worked in environmental and occupational health. Working primarily as the environmental and occupational health engineering specialist, Potts trained more than 1000 employees over the course of 10 years in this field.

How did you learn about the brand?

I really love science and I originally saw Engineering for Kids on a mommy blog on Facebook about a year ago. I have a six-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter and I’m always looking for things to do with them. As soon as I found out they were franchising I began looking into them.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Engineering for Kids?

This was something my kids could enjoy and that side of the business was very important to me. Also, I’m extremely passionate about science. I had looked at other concepts including a soup restaurant franchise and a toy store franchise, but Engineering for Kids was a much lower startup-cost option and I liked the fact that it could be home based.

What makes your business unique in the community?

The concept of Engineering for Kids and how we use problem solving to make kids engaged makes us not only unique in this community but across the country. With Engineering for Kids they want to learn about science and that’s important for future generations.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

We give gift cards to the different PTA auctions and I am involved with the local food pantry as well.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Engineering for Kids?

We are looking right now to partner with the Smithsonian Institute. As part of our process to secure this opportunity we have to pick out one or two monuments or famous sites around DC and we have to reinforce the engineering ideas behind them. Also, this year I hope to have a storefront before summer in Alexandria, Virginia.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I love spending time with my kids and traveling, especially when we get to go places with snow! Being from Michigan, it’s always nice to share the snow and other things I did as a child with my own children. 

Engineering for Kids Featured in Franchise Times

Engineering for Kids was featured in the Franchise Times in an article titled, "Ratcheting Up". 

The article gives the history of founder Dori Roberts and her epiphany to start an engineering program for young kids when she was unable to find one for her own children to join. Highlighting EFK's fast rise in success, the feature touches upon the emphasis to include young girls in engineering from an early age, and nurturing child's natural engineering interest. The article also discusses franchising opportunities and costs for those interested in being a part of the increasing importance of STEM education for youth. 

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

Ratcheting Up

With tech jobs rising, Engineering for Kids sees opportunity

By: Jeffrey McKinney

One entrepreneur is banking on the nationwide focus on science and technology education to grow her franchise system, Engineering for Kids. Will its head start last long enough to gain traction?

After witnessing a “great spark” in her young children as they watched students clash in an engineering competition a few years ago, Dori Roberts had a business epiphany. She started Engineering for Kids, and now her franchise is poised to take off along with rising interest in STEM education, otherwise known as science, technology, engineering and math.

A former high school engineering  and technology teacher for 11 years, Roberts knew her then 8-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son were amazed with what the students were doing and wanted join in the competition. But she couldn’t find any programs for their age group. That void prompted Roberts to create Engineering for Kids. But she also had another inspiration to launch EFK in 2009. After she left teaching, she built an after-school engineering club that grew from eight to 180 students. Fast-forward five years: Roberts’ daughter now wants to be an architect and her son an engineer.  

Franchisee Spotlight: Juanita Leung

A native of Hong Kong, Leung moved to San Francisco in 1983 and received a degree in marketing and sales management from San Francisco State University. Leung did advertising sales for several years before making a career change into commercial real estate marketing. In 2000 she decided to become a real estate agent and was later recruited into an account management position for Fidelity National Title for 7 years. In 2010 she went back into real estate sales for Prudential. In 2012 she was named one of Prudential’s top 7 producers.

How did you learn about the brand?

I was searching for education franchises on Google and looked into a number of concepts. After I saw Engineering for Kids I was immediately intrigued. I liked that they were a younger company and I saw a lot of opportunity for growth.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Engineering for Kids?

I have two children the ages of 3 and 5 and my in-laws are retired teachers so that was a big part of why I wanted an education business. We felt that with children falling behind in math and science in the U.S. this would be a good opportunity to try and change that! We also saw this as viable and lucrative business.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

I have been part of a few non-profit real estate organizations for the past nine years holding a number of different positions promoting minority ownership. I am also looking at the public libraries to offer free engineering programs in the community.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Engineering for Kids?

We have a site for a center and we’re looking to get that up and running.  We’d like to open a number of centers in the next couple years and our vision is to be able to bring Engineering for Kids overseas if the opportunity arises.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I like to sing and I've been taking voice lessons for the past five years.  I like to sing opera and I love to play the piano.

Franchisee Spotlight: Shu-Ling Garver

Shu-ling Garver, a native of China, came to the U.S. in 1986 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from a university in Shanghai. Once arriving in the United States, she received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science and Engineering. Garver has worked for Intel since 1989 as an engineering manager and marketing manager enabling the industry with Intel Architecture. At Intel, she also dedicated herself to engaging female engineers, mentoring them and getting young girls involved in the industry.

How did you learn about the brand?

While I was looking for a franchise online, I found that Engineering for Kids is very intriguing. I had already been working closely in that field and wanted an opportunity in an education franchise. It made sense to me.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Engineering for Kids?

I've always had a passion for engineering. Providing engineering awareness to our next generation and getting them excited about it truly excites me. Along with my significant other, Bret, being an educator, it seemed like this was a great opportunity to give back to the community and build a reputable business. Moreover, I felt the two of us together is a perfect fit to achieve our dreams.

What makes your business unique in the community?

It’s very unique because there are very few others in the community offering this kind of education for children. The schools are over budgeted and there aren't many after-school programs that are fun and this educational.  I also feel the strength of having Bret and me leading this business in Portland area; besides my engineering impact for the young generation, he is a unique great teacher with the patience for children.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

We are closely involved with the Portland Public School District, the Lake Oswego School District and the Beaverton School District within our territory. We provide cash donations and free classes sometimes when needed. We are currently engaged with Zimmerman Community Center in Portland to provide classes for children who are homeless as well.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?

I work full-time at Intel. It is very hard to find someone else to help with managing this business to achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves. I found myself working all the time with no time left for myself and what makes it even more challenging is that I have to manage two teen agers at home. I love what I do and I’m excited to continue to build Engineering for Kids in our community.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Engineering for Kids?

I am an over achiever all my life. Bret often jokes that I am constantly going 90 miles an hour because there is no stopping for me. One of the growth goals is to create a center. Casey, our operations manager and I have been talking a lot about it. We want to build the company to be a household name like Subway or McDonald’s.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

My highest priority is staying in shape. I work out. I also love to go on cruises all around the world!

Engineering for Kids Parties

Engineering For Kids parties will entertain your guests with hands-on engineering projects! Invite your friends for a fun, action packed party that is sure to thrill all who attend!

"Thank You for the opportunity to have Kurt's birthday party at Engineering for Kids. Kurt had a great time and I think all of the kids in attendance did as well. I have to tell you it was the easiest party I have ever had for Kurt."

Mother of Kurt (10 years old)

“I just wanted to let you know that Hunter's party was a great success. Michael and Josh were fantastic. They really engaged the kids and it was refreshing to meet two such smart, friendly young gentlemen. Keep up the good work. I have some great photos if you need some!”

Mother of Hunter (8 years old)

Build your perfect Birthday Party (parties and options may vary by location)

1. Choose your location
   We can come to you or suggest a location
2. Choose your date and time
3. Choose the 60-90 minute Engineering Activity
   Examples:
   • LEGO® Robotics Party - Your child and their party guests will get to program robots to perform in a robotics challenge. Kids will not get to keep the robots at the end of this party.
   • Blast Off Rocket Party - Kids will each get to design and build their own straw rocket and learn about Newton's Third Law of Motion in the process. Rockets will be launched from our special launching pad. Kids will get to keep their rocket at the end of the party.
   • Levitron Party - Kids discover how Magnetic Levitation trains work by making their own that they get to race and keep at the end of the party.
4. Choose an optional 30-minute add-on
   Examples:
   • "Make your own" Ice Cream Activity, Play Dough Activity, or Building Roller Coasters Activity
5. Choose optional party extras
   Examples:
   • Slime Party Favors, Goody Bag Favors, Cupcakes, Engineering for Kids t-shirt, Pizza, Juice Boxes, and Paper Products

Click our Locations tab on our website for information on parties available in your area!

Engineering for Kids Featured in 1851 Magazine

Engineering for Kids was recently featured in 1851 Magazine online in an article titled, "Why is 2013 the Right Year to Franchise?"

The article features various franchisees who decided to sign on with their new business venture at the beginning of the year. One of the featured franchisees is Engineering for Kids San Francisco County franchisee Juanita Leung. Leung discusses how her family and children helped to influence her decision to enter an educational franchise field, and that the country's current standings in science and math helped her to choose Engineering for Kids.

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

Why is 2013 the Right Year to Franchise?

By: Greg Avdoian

Toward the closing of every year, people spend significant time with their families, causing them rethink their current career situation. In these cases, people think about new opportunities and enjoy a sense of optimism and intrigue, as they ponder career transitions by asking themselves ‘what if’ or ‘what’s next’ for the future.

In most cases, they are considering becoming a business owner to eliminate having a boss and be in control of their financial destiny. While opening a new business in any year is a challenge, 2013 has seen the growth of many new franchise locations, despite following some tough economic years. As the economy looks to improve, many budding entrepreneurs refuse to stay put and are taking the initiative to open their own business.

Engineering for Kids Featured on KBAY "Southhbay Sunday"

Engineering for Kids was recently featured on KBAY Radio's "South Bay Sunday".

The interview featured EFK San Francisco Director Mala Utamsing, and discusses ‘Introduce A Girl To Engineering Day,’ the benefits of engineering and science education in the Bay Area, what Engineering For Kids does, summer camp plans and the organization’s role in developing children’s learning and interest level in the sciences.

Listen to the radio broadcast by clicking HERE or by listening below:

High School Students Giving Up on STEM

The U.S. NEWS published an article yesterday that reports high school students are giving up on STEM careers. Though interest has been increasing in the past decade (1 in 4 students report an interest in a STEM major or career) and they begin high school with the interest in engineering and other sciences, it is argued that not enough is being done to maintain an interest in STEM.

A suggestion to remedy the situation is to improve student achievement by implementing new k-12 education standards in science in math and to fill them with an interest in STEM before high school. Some states have begun specialized STEM high schools, but it is also suggested that schools must partner with other educators and businesses in the STEM fields. Otherwise, the increasing jobs in the field will continue to go unfilled.

And that's exactly what Engineering for Kids is trying to do: create an interest early and maintain it through the future.

Being reading the U.S. NEWS article below or click HERE.

Many High Schoolers Giving Up on STEM

By MICHAEL MORELLA

High school students aren't sticking with STEM. Even though the number of jobs in science and engineering is expected to surge in the years to come, close to 60 percent of the nation's students who begin high school interested in science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, change their minds by graduation, according to a report released Wednesday from STEMconnector and college planning service My College Options.

Overall student interest has been gradually climbing for about a decade, with about 1 in 4 of all high schoolers excited about pursuing a STEM major or career. But keeping many of those students attracted to such subjects is proving a challenge. "Tying education to the workforce needs is critical to the future of the nation," said STEMconnector CEO Edie Fraser at a town hall event Wednesday announcing the release of the report. Science and engineering careers are expected to grow more than 20 percent by 2018, twice the rate of the overall U.S. labor force.

Engineering for Kids featured in Huffington Post

Dori Roberts, founder of Engineering for Kids, recently wrote an article for the Huffington Post's Blog online. She spoke about the importance of STEM education, her history in teaching, and her dedication to inspiring young adults to explore careers in engineering. Roberts cites an interesting study by the Intel Corporation which reports that 63% of teens have never considered a career in engineering, but 44% would if they knew more about it!

Click HERE for the full article, or begin reading below.

Creating, Tinkering, Inventing and Imagining Our Way to the Top

By: Dori Roberts

If you were to peek through the door of most preschool classrooms or observe young children playing at home, you would likely find kids creating, tinkering, inventing and imagining. Their hands would be busy and their minds would be racing a hundred miles a minute with all different types of creative possibilities: A rollercoaster using foam pipe insulation! A rocket from a plastic water bottle! A bridge from paper and tape! These kids are engineers. Most just don't know it. Yet.

I began my career as a high school technology and engineering teacher. During that time, I witnessed amazing ideas high school students developed and implemented around engineering-related challenges. I saw firsthand how students could begin to address real-world problems with their innovation. My own son, who was 6 at the time, became very interested in the students' projects. Upon searching for an after-school STEM program for him, I realized such a thing did not exist. So, I began to dream of a program that would introduce STEM concepts to young children. In 2009, I founded Engineering for Kids, which brings science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to kids ages 4 through 14 in a fun and challenging way.