Code Ninjas to debut in Bartlett to teach kids coding in a cool way

Code Ninjas Center Opens May 11, Focuses on Building Video Games, Robotics, Drones, and other STEM Activities

Bartlett, IL. - Say the words, "video game" and your kids are bound to stop and listen. The local owners of a new Code Ninjas, a learning center that debuts Saturday, May 11 at 807 Illinois 59 in Bartlett, IL, know that video games aren't only fun, but educational. Code Ninjas will serve the Bartlett area by teaching children computer coding and problem solving skills while having fun building video games.

The Bartlett location is owned and operated by Paul and Bridget de la Cruz, who are excited to bring their passion of education and technology together to help the next generation have the tools they need to succeed. The parents of a 3 and 4 year old themselves, they understand how critical it is to teach coding to children to be ready for the future.

"Both Paul and I came to America when we were less than 5 years old. Our mothers would only speak to us in English so we would not fall behind in school. Learning to code today is what learning English was back to us then; it is this generation's translation on how to navigate a much more technologically savvy world. We want to prepare kids with skills that will open doors and foster opportunities. That's the American dream," explained Bridget.

The pair hopes to provide inspiration to immigrants, minorities, young women, and all of the youth in their community to show them that they too can achieve the American dream. Bridget, who has worked in education for over a decade says it's clear there is a void in educating children with the tech skills they need to compete with other children from around the world. They are hoping to fill that void in their local community.

Suburban Chicago children ages 7-14 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. 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 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 Bartlett and surrounding communities," said Graham.

For more information about the Bartlett Code Ninjas location, please visit https://www.codeninjas.com/locations/il-bartlett

About Code Ninjas

Founded in 2016, Code Ninjas® is the largest and fastest-growing kids coding franchise in the United States. The Houston-based company is opening hundreds of centers across the country, where kids ages 7-14 learn to code by building video games, and parents see their children gain skills and confidence along their path from white to black belt. Code Ninjas: Kids have fun, parents see results®. For more information about opening your own Code Ninjas center, visit https://codeninjasfranchise.com.