NJ’s Usha Sathappan Is Using LEGOs To Building Bridges in Education

When Usha Sathappan, a business graduate from India and dedicated mother of three, relocated to New Jersey in 2004, she did more than just move — she embarked on a transformative journey by acquiring the Bricks 4 Kidz franchise, dedicating herself to enriching children's lives while building stronger communities.

As the franchise’s director, Sathappan has spent nearly a decade — since 2014 — fostering creativity and STEM learning in the hearts of young minds across Central NJ, overseeing a franchise that spans 25 zip codes. Under her stewardship, this STEM-centric initiative — powered by the iconic LEGO® bricks to provide a unique blend of education and play — has flourished, reaching over 3,000 children each year, fostering lifelong connections in the community and providing after-school enrichment.

Today, Sathappan’s commitment resonates deeply within the communities she serves, from South Brunswick to Robbinsville and beyond. We spoke with Sathappan about her motives for acquiring Bricks 4 Kidz, how she has evolved the program over the years and its impact on communities across New Jersey.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: Since moving to South Brunswick, what are some ways you’ve been active in the local community? What inspired you to get involved?

Sathappan: I've lived in South Brunswick for seven years, and during this time, I've been actively engaged with South Brunswick Township in various ways.

I had my first initial chance to lead sessions for special education children at South Brunswick Parks and Recreation. These moments have truly touched my heart. I also had the opportunity to organize my first extensive summer camp through South Brunswick Community Education. We've also hosted summer camps at the South Brunswick Wetherill Historical House for several years.

I decided to become more involved in the community because I wanted to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of the people around me. I believe that by actively participating in community activities and programs, I can help create a stronger, more supportive environment for everyone.

Being part of the community allows me to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences and work together towards common goals. Ultimately, it's my way of giving back and fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness.

Patch: What initiatives have you been involved in over the years, and why has this involvement been important to your organization?

Sathappan: I served various elementary schools in South Brunswick and surrounding the area. Our commitment to enriching the lives of South Brunswick residents is demonstrated through the following initiatives:

• Afterschool Enrichment: We have been conducting after-school classes at Brooks Crossing Elementary School and Brunswick Acres Elementary School, providing valuable LEGO educational experiences to students within these institutions. We also offered after-school enrichment classes at Monmouth Junction Elementary School, Green Brook Elementary School and Indian Fields Elementary School.
• Summer Camps: We have successfully organized summer camps in collaboration with the South Brunswick Board of Education and South Brunswick Parks and Recreation to offer children memorable LEGO educational experiences during the summer break.
• Support for PTOs: Our commitment extends to the South Brunswick School District’s Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs), where we have actively contributed in various capacities to support the school community and offered free programs to many kids who come under Title One.
• Summer Parks Camps: Our participation in South Brunswick Recreation's Summer Parks camps reflects our dedication to providing engaging and STEM educational activities for children during the summer.
• Special Education Involvement: We have been honored to provide specialized classes for children with special education needs in Camp Willow, collaborating with South Brunswick Recreation to ensure inclusive and tailored STEM educational experiences. Our enduring commitment to South Brunswick Recreation and its diverse educational programs is a testament to our dedication to the betterment of the South Brunswick community. We look forward to continuing our partnership and contributing to the growth and enrichment of the individuals we serve.
• Community Engagement: Our organization has been a steadfast participant in South Brunswick's annual fall festivals for an extended period, with a deep commitment to nurturing community spirit and advancing educational prospects. In 2017, we organized and hosted a noteworthy event, the "Father & Child Master Builder Contest," in collaboration with South Brunswick Recreation. This event not only brought families together but also provided a unique platform for fostering creativity, teamwork and innovative thinking among participants.

Our dedication to such engaging community initiatives underscores our mission to create meaningful, educational experiences while strengthening the bonds within our local South Brunswick community.

Patch: What are some noteworthy programs you offer through Bricks 4 Kidz?

Sathappan: At South Brunswick Recreation and several schools within the district, we are proud to offer a diverse range of educational opportunities throughout the year. Our commitment to delivering outstanding after-school enrichment programs is unwavering, and we are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our community's children.

Our curriculum covers an array of engaging subjects, and our hands-on approach ensures that learning is both fun and educational. From our preschool program to our Brick Builds and LEGO Motorized Models workshops, from Scratch programming to WEDO Robotics, EV3 Robotics, Comic Creators, Studio 2.0 and beyond, we provide a rich tapestry of learning experiences that cater to the diverse interests and needs of our students.

These programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all children in our community. We believe that education should be an enriching and enjoyable experience for every child, and we are dedicated to making that a reality.

Join us in our mission to empower young minds, encourage creativity and foster a lifelong love of learning. Together, we can shape a brighter future for the children of South Brunswick and beyond.

Patch: What do you love most about being a part of the South Brunswick community?

Sathappan: Over my seven years in the area, I had the opportunity to develop strong bonds with the people in my community. These connections often extend beyond mere neighbors; they become friends and extended family. The sense of belonging that comes from these relationships can be a powerful motivator for wanting to get more involved in community life.

South Brunswick's reputation as one of the best places to live in New Jersey likely stems from its high quality of life. The city offers excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, access to parks and recreational activities and other amenities that contribute to residents' well-being. These factors reflect the city's commitment to providing a great living environment.

Patch: Are there any other initiatives you’re involved in that South Brunswick community members should know about?

Sathappan: In addition to the Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO program, I also oversee a wonderful initiative called Junior Chef Box. This program encompasses after-school cooking classes, summer camps and an e-commerce kids' subscription service. Over the past six years, we have proudly hosted our program in South Brunswick Township and neighboring townships.

Junior Chef Box is a distinct and innovative approach to teaching kids the art of cooking. Our primary mission is to make culinary learning an enjoyable and engaging experience for children. Through our program, we strive to instill a love for cooking in a fun and interactive manner, encouraging kids to explore the world of culinary creativity.

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