Connecting Industry with Academia Through STEM for Kids

As the founder and CEO of STEM For Kids, Moni Singh is connecting industry with academia through STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Her two-fold mission: make STEM fun and real for children. She and her organization have enabled thousands of children in grades K-12 to experience science, engineering and computer programming in a hands-on way.

Singh launched STEM For Kids franchising to broaden the reach of her STEM programs. We recently spoke with Singh to learn more about this opportunity, including what she looks for in potential franchisees, how it compares to its competition and where she sees the franchise headed in five years.


What’s special about the franchise?

STEM For Kids is a franchise opportunity with a meaningful purpose in a market that’s booming. Franchisees can raise their profiles in their communities, get great returns with a huge exclusive territory, enjoy diverse revenue streams with low fixed overheads and benefit from scalable and efficient operations. Plus, they can get some great incentives to enter into the system now, develop an area or own multiple territories.

How does it compare to its competition?

STEM For Kids represents a unique way of engaging young children in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) wherein all components of STEM are integrated in a seamless way with the core 3C skills of communication, collaboration and critical thinking. We make STEM fun and real for kids.

STEM For Kids proprietary curricula cover the wide breadth of hands-on experiences for kids ages 4- 14 in the three fastest growing STEM careers: Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing and Computing. The programs are offered by trained coaches as afterschool programs, camps, in-school field trips and workshops in and outside schools.

What is the idea behind the franchise?

The demand for STEM talent is growing significantly. These are high-paying jobs. Yet, an estimated 1.2 million STEM jobs will go unfulfilled. This is another “Sputnik Moment” that demands speedy action in inspiring youth into STEM careers. When something that important is at stake, speed and efficiency of program deployment are critical.

Per National Science Foundation, underrepresented minorities hold only 10% of science and engineering jobs despite making up over a quarter of the U.S. population age 21 and older. Changes have to take place at the grassroots level to inspire children irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds. That kind of grassroots effort requires passionate torchbearers of STEM in each community.

What do you look for in a potential franchisee?

Our ideal franchisees are people who understand the value of STEM in our economy, who are active in their communities and hungry to make a positive impact in young minds.

Where do you see the franchise in five years?

We are a global brand in five years continuously striving for greater value for our franchisees and inspiring children into STEM worldwide through our strong franchise network of passionate business owners.

What’s your background?

Before venturing into STEM education, I was instrumental in solving global problems by contributing to design, development, manufacturing and sales of technologies like wireless and satellite phones and Internet to homes. During my telecom sector life, I was part of bringing phones to every home, data to every phone and then bringing data to every home. Afterwards, the need of these connected homes to measure smartly brought me to the Energy sector.

What motivates you to keep going?

The positive impact we are making in young minds and the communities we serve.

Please tell us your secret to success…

Our secret sauce, the STEM For Kids Curricula, brings complex engineering and technology concepts to children in a fun, hands-on way.

What is one trend that really excites you?

It’s “cool” to be in a STEM career.

What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?

LinkedIn — staying connected with my professional network

Google Keep — keeping all notes and actions handy

Mailchimp — a simple way to maintain mailing lists.

Do you (or did you ever) have a mentor?

Yes, many. I believe in keeping an open mind and learning from people around me. I once learnt immensely from an ‘anti-mentor!’

Any final words for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Be strong and always believe in yourself. Deep inside, you have more strength than you’ve ever known.

Where can people get more information on STEM For Kids franchise opportunities?

Visit the website here.

Where can people find STEM For Kids on social media?

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