New Business Teaches Kids To Code Like Ninjas

This Patch article is sponsored by Code Ninjas, Waltham-Newton.

Code Ninjas® is the world’s largest and fastest-growing kids coding franchise, with hundreds of locations in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. At our centers, kids learn to code while building their own video games. They gain problem solving, critical thinking and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills in a fun, safe and inspiring environment. We opened our own Code Ninjas franchise at the center of Waltham to reach kids in this and neighboring towns and help them gain coding skills and have fun at the same time.

Patch had a chance to talk with Julius Bautista and Joanna Chua, co-owners of Code Ninjas, Waltham-Newton.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?

Julius and Joanna: We just opened our Code Ninjas Center in February 2022. We hope we will be in the community for the foreseeable future.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Julius: I started as a customer of Code Ninjas and seeing the impact to my, at the time, 7-year-old son was really amazing. He enjoyed building his own games and I could see the pace at which he was learning how to use a computer and figure things out in terms of coding skills.

Joanna: I spent most of my professional career in the startup space. I like building and creating new things and had prior coding experience. The opportunity to build a new franchise that will have a lasting impact for children in the community was very attractive to me. I believe that the soft skills the kids will gain through coding and STEM will greatly impact their day-to-day life and future careers just like how it did with mine.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Julius and Joanna: Help kids gain coding and STEM skills in a fun and engaging way.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Julius and Joanna: So far, it’s to bring awareness to parents that we are here, and that we can help their kids build the coding and STEM skills they will need in the future.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Julius and Joanna: Seeing kids when they figure a problem out and are able to solve challenges and complete projects, the smile on their faces and their pride in their accomplishments is the most satisfying part of the work we do.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Julius and Joanna: We have a unique curriculum to teach kids coding through games that makes it more fun than other programs. Additionally, we have the flexibility to allow parents to bring their kids anytime after school and on the weekend.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Julius and Joanna: Keep going when others have stopped. Don’t be afraid to ask for help as getting others or partnering will help you succeed vs. doing it alone.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what details can you share and what makes it so exciting?

Julius and Joanna: Right now we are focused on growing our center and having more kids join us in learning coding.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.

Julius and Joanna: We recently held an open house on April 9 where we welcomed parents and kids to visit our center, try out our demo gaming sessions and have a conversation with us as well as other parents and kids about Code Ninjas. We also plan to have our grand opening at a later date!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Julius and Joanna: Patch readers can learn more about Code Ninjas, what we do and how we work with kids on our website or on our social media pages including Facebook and Instagram.