The Glendale Star
26
April 25, 2019
Youth of Today GlendaleStar.com
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Code Ninjas brings STEM, learning to Glendale BY CARRIE SNIDER
Glendale Star Contributing Writer
What began as a search for a place where his son could learn computer coding has turned into one local dad’s new business: Code Ninjas. “My son showed an interest in coding,” owner Vishal Bansal said. “I tried teaching him. I went through online courses. That lasted for a month. I looked for something else for him.” Bansal worked in the IT industry as a software engineer for 20 years, so he was no stranger to coding. But a lot of what he found to offer his son was too complex or just plain boring. He hoped he could find a curriculum where coding was not only educational, but fun. His search led him to Code Ninjas, a new and rapidly growing franchise based in Houston. Earlier this month Bansal officially opened the doors of his Glendale location at 20329 N. 59th Avenue, Suite 6A. Aimed at kids age 7 through 14, the martial-arts themed center is where instructors are called “code senseis,” and students are called “ninjas.” They go to the “dojo” where they advance from white belt to black belt as they learn. “Belts” at Code Ninjas are actually wristbands. “This is a learning center,” Bansal
Aimed at kids ages 7 through 14, the martial-arts themed Code Ninjas is where students are “ninjas” who progress from white to black belt as they complete coding lessons. (Photo special to Glendale Star)
said. “But our goal is for kids to have fun when they come here and learn while they are doing it.” The Code Ninjas tagline is “kids have fun, parents see results.” The results, Bansal added, are that the students learn code and build games. By the time a child finishes the program, they will have published an app in an App Store. Despite the Glendale center having
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been open for a short time, Bansal already sees a lot of interest. A grand opening will be held on from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Parents and kids can tour of the new space and participate at various learning stations including Jimmy, snap circuits, Kamigami robots and drones as well as video game-building demonstrations. “I’m looking forward to making a
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difference in someone’s life by providing them with skills and education that can help them in a future career,” Bansal said. “Bringing Code Ninjas to Glendale will give me the opportunity to introduce the valuable skills of coding and computer programming to all children in the community.” Founded in 2016, Code Ninjas already has 393 centers in 39 states. In the Phoenix area, there are locations in Scottsdale, Chandler and Ahwatukee, with more locations coming soon. Code Ninjas offers a flexible weeknight drop-in program, camps and Parents Night Out events on weekends. Code Ninjas founder and CEO David Graham is a professional software developer who previously owned a chain of coding camps for adults. After numerous inquiries from parents, Graham launched his business. “Parents want their children to learn the critical skills that they’ll need in the future, but it also has to be fun for kids,” Graham said. “Code Ninjas has found that sweet spot where kids have fun and parents see results, and we’re truly excited to bring our unique concept to Glendale and surrounding communities.” For more information, visit codeninjas.com.
Win 2 Free tickets for dinner & show Visit glendalestar.com and click on ad for the drawing to complete your entry form Entry deadline is May 13, 2019 Winner will be contacted by Times Media Inc.