Morrisville, NC and Glen Allen, VA 7/2/18 –

” After designing his own model car, as part of the rolling-wheels workshop, a 2nd grader enhanced his design to make his car go faster by leveraging the STEM for Kids’ EDP [Engineering Design Process] delivery model. He understood how to address challenges of friction”, says Lakshmi Gunuru, business owner and STEM For Kids franchisee in Central Virginia.

Lakshmi grew up in a small, farming village in rural south India. She was one of the first few girls from her village to study Engineering & earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

In her 20+ years of engineering career, Lakshmi’s work touched naval systems, metal forging for fluid transmission systems and the financial sector.  At the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, she was involved in designing submarine parts and torpedo.

Later, at General Electric, Circuit City & Capital One, Lakshmi’s work shifted towards quality engineering and software development.

Throughout her life’s adventures, she has never forgotten her roots and remains passionate about guiding children, especially girls & disadvantaged children, towards an education and career in science and technology.

As longtime residents of Richmond VA, Lakshmi and her husband regularly volunteer for the Richmond City schools. Their work brought computer coding to the students of Fairfield Middle, Luccille Brown Middle and Providence Middle schools.

“They knew how to use a phone. When they made their own applications and saw them on their phones, it was complete joy! They felt happy and proud. They were learning how to make their own phones come alive. That sense of pride was contagious. I felt it too. Our work was really empowering the youth as they were learning computer programming and coding skills”, said Lakshmi as she reflected on her years of volunteering and how those experiences inspired her to broaden her mission – to encourage ALL young minds in the Richmond, VA area in the STEM fields.

“STEM for Kids was a natural choice. STEM For Kids’ curriculum & delivery is ideal to provide children early opportunities for education in science & technology. The activities really make STEM – REAL & FUN through hands-on activities that illustrate deep engineering concepts.”

“Lakshmi’s life story shows how determination, together with concrete actions and training, can shape lives. Not only did she transform her life, but also, through her dedicated efforts in education, is instrumental in enabling numerous young lives towards success in the STEM-centric world. We are thrilled to have Lakshmi bring her passion and energy to our growing network of franchisees and schools! ”, says Moni Singh, the Creator of STEM For Kids.

Learn more about the summer camps, afterschool programs and STEM / STEAM classes being offered in Richmond and Central Virginia or request programs at your site by visiting stemforkids.net/t/cva or email cva@stemforkids.net.

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STEM For Kids® provides the broadest array of engineering, biomedicine, computer programming / coding, robotics, automation and entrepreneurship programs for children in grades preK-8 through summer camps, afterschool programs and classes in and outside schools.

National and international franchise opportunities for this innovative children’s services and educational enrichment system are available. The STEM For Kids brand is generating significant national and international interest and has made into various “Best of ” lists including Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New Franchises, Best Trends, Franchise 500, The Vangaurd List, Startup Magazine’s Companies Ready to Make you the Boss, Franchise Gator’s Franchise 100 and Americas Best Franchise lists.

Business owners can start with as low as $20,000. Entrepreneurs looking for a low-cost entry into children’s educational services can learn more and apply at the STEM For Kids website, https://www.stemforkids.net/franchise or call +1 866 991 7053.
For media inquiries contact as follows:

STEM For Kids corporate office at franchisor@stemforkids.net.