STEM Camps Now Available In Fresno For Young Children

A first of its kind technology center in the Central Valley is offering Summer camps for children in grades first through eighth. Kids now have the opportunity to learn about robotics, science and technology all in one place. It's called InnovEd and is located in Fresno.

 

The facility is equipped with state of the art technology like a 3-D printer and robots made and programmed by children who are spending their Summer in STEM camps.

 

Robots and prototypes, children creating them at a young age. It's a Summer camp that is out of the ordinary for young children. "I tried doing it 5 or 6 times. I got better each time," Amulya Nagappala said. 

 

Inside, in a computer lab, creating designs and prototyping. "This would be attached to a computer which enables kids to be exposed to coding for a function," Ellie Honardoost said. 

 

It's one of the many things children are learning at InnovEd. Honardoost is a former math, engineering, biology and physical science teacher who decided it was time to teach children in a hands on and innovative environment through science, technology, engineering and math or STEM. 

 

"Our kids are still taught like it's the 19th century with the same books, pencils and paper with a sprinkle of technology but if you go into the workplace, the place of work has completely evolved and changed," Honardoost said. 

 

Taña Toscano planned on taking her 10 year old son to the Bay Area for these type of technology camps until she drove past InnovEd located near Herndon and Chestnut. 

 

"I was like oh my god I don't have to drive all the way to San Jose or Palo Alto to put my son in this program," Toscano said.

 

Toscano says her son loves to play video games and thinks this is a good way to get him out of the house and ready for what the future may offer. 

 

The curriculum was created by Honardoost and her co-founder, a former math and engineering teacher and is taught by other staff members. 

 

"To bring early engagement to the central valley because most programs are only in high school and we believe its too late to engage those who weren't engaged already," Honardoost said.

 

The week long Summer camps in STEM will be offered from 9am to 4pm and have a cost of $350. After school classes will be offered during the school year.