Looking for a truly unique experience for your child? Check out Code Ninjas®! This is the fastest growing franchise of its kind across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom for a very good reason – learning has never been so much fun! Here, children learn to code by creating their very own video games. It’s one of the best ways to be introduced to STEM as a student.
Shannon and Ryan Stevenson own the Code Ninjas® franchises in St. Albert and Windermere (Edmonton).
“We opened Code Ninjas® to provide a safe and inclusive space where children explore coding and STEM with like-minded peers and mentors,” says Shannon. “This is a space where they are celebrated for who they are; a space to grow and a space to belong.”
It’s been quite a journey for the couple so far, as the Windermere location opened during the uncertain early days of the pandemic. With the delays behind them, that location is busier than ever, and they are celebrating their second location in St. Albert.
“Opening Code Ninjas® ties all of my passions for children and STEM education into one perfect bundle,” smiles Shannon. “It pulls from my experience of managing franchises and working with children in both private therapy and educational settings. For Ryan, whose whole career has been in IT, Code Ninjas® suits his savvy technical skills.”
The experience is educational and fun for children, and ideally suited for their parents thanks to flexible scheduling, no registration fee, no long-term contracts, and no missed hours. All equipment and supplies are included in the month-to-month fee and memberships can be cancelled anytime. Ninjas (students) advance from white to black belt and receive colour-coded wristbands to mark their achievements. Along the way they get encouragement and support from their sensei (instructor) in the dojo (classroom).
“Our goal is to provide the ultimate customer experience. We hire local youth who are passionate about education and working towards a career in STEM fields. Our senseis love what they do, and it shows!” says Shannon.
Whether the children want a career in STEM or not, this program enhances every aspect of their lives. It’s all thanks to problem-solving learning in science, technology, engineering, art and math that drives life skills such as critical thinking and collaboration.
For Shannon and Ryan, Code Ninjas® is more than a job. It is a passion.
“There are kids out there, brilliant kids, that are falling through the cracks,” says Shannon. “I often ask myself, where is their safe place? A place to just be themselves and vibe on the same level as like-minded peers in a welcoming environment? We have created that space, together with our amazing team who step up every day to put their all into the providing the ultimate experience. We can proudly say that our Code Ninjas® locations have become that safe space. I’m a big advocate for our youth. They are the future, and if our senseis and little ninjas are a glimpse of what is to come, then the future is bright. Very bright!”
If your child enjoys gaming, is interested in learning a new skill, or is looking for a place to belong, visit Code Ninjas® today in St. Albert or Windermere. Summer camps are in season right now, with back to school programing coming up soon. Click here to learn more.