Say the words “video game” and your kids are bound to stop and listen. The local owner of a new Code Ninjas franchise, a learning center that debuts Saturday, Jan. 12 at 10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 160, in Wellington, knows that video games aren’t only fun, but can be educational, too. Code Ninjas will serve the local area by teaching children computer coding and problem-solving skills while having fun building video games.
The Wellington location is owned and operated by South Florida local Rick Engelbart. After a successful career in software development, Engelbart decided to step back from corporate America to be his own boss. He has always been passionate about technology, so when he came across the opportunity to open a Code Ninjas location, Engelbart realized that this was the perfect chance to open his own business within the booming computer science industry. The Wellington location will be Engelbart’s first Code Ninjas, with plans to open two more Palm Beach County centers in the next year.
“The most exciting part about opening a Code Ninjas is knowing that we will be providing such a valuable service for the children and families in our community,” Engelbart said. “Computer programming is such a vital skill for the workforce and the future, and for us to be entrusted by our neighbors to teach this to their children is an honor and privilege.”
Wellington children ages 7 to 14 can look forward to visiting the new Code Ninjas center to learn how to code in a fun, safe and social learning environment where gaming is celebrated and STEM is cool. Everything about Code Ninjas is built around fun, which keeps kids coming back. But the center also provides the results that parents are looking for, as their children gain coding and problem-solving skills they’ll need for the jobs of the future.
Code Ninjas accomplishes this with a robust, game-based curriculum made up of nine belts, just like the martial arts. The curriculum is self-paced, but not self-taught; kids get immediate help and encouragement from Code Senseis and fellow students as they advance from white to black belt. The program keeps kids motivated with little wins along the way, and “Belt-Up” celebrations where they receive color-coded wristbands to mark their graduation to the next level. By the time a child finishes the program, they will publish an app in an app store.
Code Ninjas offers a variety of opportunities for children to get involved, including 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 successful chain of coding camps for adults. After numerous inquiries from parents, Graham realized there was an unmet demand to teach children coding skills. He launched the Code Ninjas brand in 2016.
“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. 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 Wellington and surrounding communities,” Graham said.
For more information about the Wellington Code Ninjas location, call (561) 440-8229 or visit www.codeninjas.com/locations/fl-wellington.
