In the bustling, bountiful land of New Jersey, nestled between the enchanted realms of New York and Pennsylvania, a troop of cheeky, ever-curious kids embark on an exciting exploration activity each day. This isn't your ordinary state, not by a long shot! It's a place where the fragrant pine forests in the south whisper secrets with the gleaming skyscrapers in the north, and where the beach-loving seagulls on the coast exchange yarns with the swift-footed deer in the western hills. Now, let's meet our little troop of explorers. Leading the pack is a feisty, freckled-face firecracker named Tommy Turnpike. Tommy, named after the state's famous highway, has an amusing knack of losing his way but always, magically, winding up in the most stirring adventures. He's as bold as a Jersey tomato, as richly imaginative as a boardwalk funnel cake, and as loyal as a Jersey diner offering its endless mugs of coffee. Trailing behind Tommy, are dozens of sprightly kids, each as unique as the state's many pizza toppings. Millie, the Meadowlands maverick, is as sly as a fox and can spot a rare bird from miles away. Then there’s Benny the beachcomber, who knows every grain of sand on the shorelines and can speak fluent crab! Every day, in this small but mighty state, these kids roam from the Cape May lighthouse to the Great Falls of Paterson, tickling their curiosities and feeding their imaginations. From inventing a time-travelling tomato to befriending a talking squirrel, their adventures are as varied and vibrant as a display of fireworks on a warm Jersey Shore night. Believe me; there’s never a dull moment in the Garden State!
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
In 2013, Jennifer Romanoff, Ed.M., had a lightbulb moment when she and her husband were playfully discussing the idea of leaving his job to play with magnetic tiles instead. This sparked the idea for Genius Gems, an innovative space for children to learn through play. Each visit to our facility brings something new and exciting, with our hands-on, creativity-based activities designed to foster critical thinking and collaboration with peers. Our curriculum is based on the 4 P's - projects, passion, peers, and play - and was developed by an experienced educator. We are inspired by the work of MIT Media Lab Professor Mitchell Resnick, who argues that the world needs more designers, thinkers, and innovators. At Genius Gems, we strive to foster these skills in our young patrons, so that they may be prepared to meet the challenges of the future.