Ready Set Code Earns Prestigious STEM.org Accreditation

We are thrilled to announce that as of January 29, 2025, Ready Set Code has officially been awarded the STEM.org Accredited™ Educational Experience trustmark! This milestone places us among the elite top 5% “Best in STEM” organizations for 2024-2025, a recognition that underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality STEM education.

What Does STEM.org Accreditation Mean?

Earning the STEM.org Accredited™ trustmark is no small feat. This prestigious certification is awarded by STEM.org Educational Research™ (SER), the longest continually operating, privately-held STEM education research and credentialing organization in America. With over 9,500 schools, districts, and organizations across 80+ countries accredited, STEM.org evaluates programs for their commitment to educational quality, adherence to vetted STEM standards, and their ability to prepare students for future success in STEM fields.

Why This Matters to You

When you choose Ready Set Code for your child’s STEM education, you’re not just signing up for another extracurricular program. You’re investing in an experience that has been rigorously vetted for:

  • Educational Excellence: STEM.org ensures our curriculum meets the highest standards, so students are equipped with critical skills in coding, robotics, app development, and more.
  • Innovation and Relevance: Our programs foster creativity and adaptability, helping students thrive in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.
  • Trust and Credibility: The STEM.org trustmark is your assurance of quality and accountability.

About STEM.org Educational Research

SER has a rich history of advancing STEM education. It was instrumental in the creation of the 2005 STEM Congressional Caucus and continues to influence STEM education globally. Recognized by leading publications like The New York Times, Forbes, and CNBC, STEM.org works with renowned brands such as Nike, Disney, Hasbro, and Rubik’s to promote high-quality STEM experiences.

What’s Next for Ready Set Code?

This recognition fuels our passion to continue inspiring the next generation of innovators. Our upcoming programs include after-school courses in SD308 & IPSD 304, various park districts in the surrounding areas, workshops, and special events designed to nurture a love for STEM while building essential skills for the future.

Thank you to our incredible community of students, parents, and educators for supporting us on this journey. Together, we’re shaping the future, one brilliant mind at a time.

Join Us Today

Ready to see what an accredited STEM education can do for your child? Explore our programs and sign up today at Readysetcode.com.

Why Teaching Coding to Kids is Essential for Their Future (and Ours)

As technology continues to evolve and shape our world, the need for skilled tech workers is more urgent than ever—especially in the Midwest. In fact, over 50% of all new STEM jobs in the coming decade will be in fields that require coding skills. Yet, only 1 in 4 high schools offer computer science courses, leaving a critical skills gap that could hold back an entire generation from fully realizing their potential.

But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to change the future. By introducing coding skills to kids at a young age, we can equip them with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Let’s dive into why teaching coding to young learners in the Midwest is one of the most impactful things we can do for them—and for our regional economy.

1. The Growing Demand for Tech Jobs
According to Code.org and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computing jobs (like software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis) are expected to make up more than half of all new jobs in STEM fields in the next decade. What’s more, the Midwest is seeing a particularly high demand for these positions, especially as tech hubs continue to grow in cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Detroit. However, the region faces a major skills gap, as there simply aren’t enough workers with the right qualifications to fill these roles.

By introducing coding to children early on, we’re helping them develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that will prepare them for these high-demand jobs, whether they choose to pursue careers in tech or any other industry that relies on technology.

This means that children who learn coding today will have a head start in virtually any career they choose, whether it’s in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, or marketing. The ability to understand and navigate technology will be a fundamental skill in almost every profession moving forward.

2. Tech Skills Are No Longer Just for Tech Jobs
Coding is no longer just for those interested in software development. As automation and artificial intelligence become integral to many industries, even non-tech jobs are requiring a basic understanding of programming. In fact, according to a study by The Brookings Institution, nearly 60% of job openings in key U.S. metropolitan areas—including many in the Midwest—will require skills in computing and STEM fields by 2025.

3. Bridging the Skills Gap in the Midwest
The skills gap is especially pronounced in the Midwest, where the tech sector is growing rapidly but the pool of qualified workers is not keeping pace. Employers are struggling to fill tech-related roles, and this gap is expected to widen as demand continues to rise. But we have an opportunity to address this challenge by investing in the future of our children.

By starting coding education early, we’re preparing kids to step into these roles when they’re older, contributing to the region’s economic growth while ensuring they have access to the high-paying, fulfilling jobs of tomorrow.

4. The Future Is In Our Hands
The bottom line is clear: teaching coding to children today is an investment in both their future and the future of the Midwest. It opens doors to countless opportunities in a tech-driven world, prepares them to be problem solvers, and strengthens the local economy by creating a future workforce with the skills that employers need.

Now is the time to start. Whether through coding workshops, after-school programs, or simply encouraging kids to explore the world of programming at home, we can give our children the tools to succeed in a tech-first world. And in doing so, we ensure a brighter, more prosperous future—for them and for all of us.

Ready Set Code equips the next generation with the coding skills they need to lead the way! Learn more about our programs by visiting our website for all of our exciting classes, camps, and workshops in Downtown Aurora, SD308 and IPSD 204 School Districts, and surrounding Park Districts!

Explore All Ready Set Code Courses

How STEM Education Improves Learning

STEM education is a multidisciplinary approach that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It aims to enhance students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while providing them with the tools to analyze data and apply scientific methods.

Understanding STEM Education

STEM education is a multidisciplinary approach that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It aims to enhance students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while providing them with the tools to analyze data and apply scientific methods.

Key Benefits of STEM Education

STEM education offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Enhanced problem-solving skills
  • Improved critical thinking
  • Increased creativity
  • Better preparation for the future

How STEM Education Works

STEM education emphasizes:

  • Hands-on learning
  • Multisensory teaching
  • Multidisciplinary integration
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving

The Impact of STEM Education on Student Learning

STEM education has a significant impact on student learning. It can help students to develop essential skills such as:

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Creativity
  • Collaboration
  • Communication

STEM education can also help students to become more engaged in their learning and to develop a lifelong love of learning.

FAQs about STEM Education

What is STEM education?

STEM education is a multidisciplinary approach that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It aims to enhance students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while providing them with the tools to analyze data and apply scientific methods.

What are the benefits of STEM education?

STEM education offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Enhanced problem-solving skills
  • Improved critical thinking
  • Increased creativity
  • Better preparation for the future

How does STEM education work?

STEM education emphasizes hands-on learning, multisensory teaching, multidisciplinary integration, and critical thinking and problem-solving.

Is STEM education only for students interested in science and technology?

No, STEM education benefits students of all backgrounds. It develops essential skills that are valuable in various careers.

How can I implement STEM education in my classroom or school?

There are many ways to implement STEM education, including:

  • Incorporating STEM-related activities into your lessons
  • Using project-based learning
  • Providing opportunities for students to participate in STEM competitions and events
  • Partnering with local businesses and organizations

FAQs about Ready Set Code

What is Ready Set Code?

Ready Set Code is a leading provider of STEM education solutions. We offer a variety of programs and resources to help students learn coding and develop essential skills for the future.

What kind of programs does Ready Set Code offer?

Ready Set Code offers a variety of programs, including:

  • After-school programs
  • Summer camps
  • Workshops
  • Classes

How can I learn more about Ready Set Code?

You can learn more about Ready Set Code by visiting our website or contacting us directly if you’re interested in bringing our services to you! Email us at [email protected] or call us at 331-704-0614

STEM education is a valuable investment in the future of our students. By providing students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s world, STEM education is helping to create a brighter future for all.

Thunkable: Your Classroom’s New Best Friend

Ever dreamed of creating your own app? Well, with Thunkable, that dream is now a reality, even for students! Thunkable is a powerful and user-friendly platform that allows you to build your own apps without any coding experience. Let’s dive in and explore what Thunkable can do for you and your students.

What is Thunkable?

Thunkable is a drag-and-drop app builder designed specifically for educational purposes. It provides a visual interface where you can simply drag and drop components like buttons, text labels, and images to create your app. No complex coding is required!

Why Use Thunkable?

  1. Learn by Doing: Thunkable offers a hands-on approach to learning. By building apps, students can apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world context.
  2. Develop Critical Thinking: Creating apps requires students to think creatively and problem-solve. They’ll learn to break down complex ideas into smaller, manageable steps.
  3. Collaborate and Share: Thunkable makes it easy for students to collaborate on projects. They can work together to create amazing apps and share their creations with the world.
  4. Prepare for the Future: App development is a growing field, and Thunkable can give students a head start on developing the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.

Thunkable is a fantastic tool for educators and students who want to explore the world of app development. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, it’s the perfect way to bring technology into the classroom and inspire creativity. So, what are you waiting for? Start building your own app today!

Sign up Today at SD308!
Sign up Today at IPSD 204!

Data Science: The Teacher’s Secret Weapon

Ready to unlock the potential of your classroom with data science?

This post explores how data science empowers teachers to become superheroes in the classroom!

Imagine you’re a teacher facing a diverse classroom. Every student learns at their own pace, with unique strengths and weaknesses. How can you ensure everyone receives the personalized support they need? Look no further than data science!

Data science acts as a powerful tool for educators, enabling them to gain deeper insights into their students through the analysis of valuable data (information). This data can include test scores, homework completion times, and student engagement levels within their classroom activities. By analyzing this data, teachers can identify students who might need extra support or pinpoint lessons that are particularly effective

Think of data science as your classroom’s optimization tool.

Just like analyzing your performance in a video game to refine your strategy, data science equips teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching methods. By identifying what’s working and what’s not, educators can adapt their instruction to create a more engaging and impactful learning experience for all students.

So, the next time you encounter a new and innovative teaching approach in your classroom, remember it might be powered by data science! This technology helps teachers personalize instruction and ultimately foster a more successful learning environment for every student.

Self-Driving Cars: A Guide to Autonomous Vehicles

What are Self-Driving Cars?

Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles or driverless cars, are vehicles that can operate without human intervention. These vehicles use a combination of sensors, computers, and software to navigate roads and make decisions.

How Do Self-Driving Cars Work?

  1. Sensors: Self-driving cars are equipped with a variety of sensors that help them perceive their surroundings. These sensors include:
    • Cameras: Cameras provide a visual understanding of the environment, allowing the car to identify objects like other vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signs.
    • Radar: Radar uses radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance, speed, and direction.
    • LiDAR: LiDAR uses laser light to create a 3D map of the environment, providing detailed information about the car’s surroundings.
    • Ultrasonic sensors: Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to detect objects close to the car, such as parked cars or obstacles in the road.
  2. Computers: The sensors collect data, which is then processed by powerful computers. These computers use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to analyze the data and make decisions about how the car should operate.
  3. Software: The software controls the car’s actions based on the information from the sensors and computers. It determines the car’s speed, steering, and braking.

Benefits of Self-Driving Cars:

  • Improved Safety: Self-driving cars have the potential to reduce accidents caused by human error.
  • Reduced Traffic Congestion: Autonomous vehicles can optimize traffic flow, leading to reduced congestion.
  • Increased Accessibility: Self-driving cars can provide transportation options for people who are unable to drive themselves.
  • Environmental Benefits: Autonomous vehicles can reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Our Build Your Own Self- Driving Car Course Overview:

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of self-driving robots. Students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamental principles, technologies, and applications of autonomous vehicles. This course covers a wide range of topics, including sensors and algorithms used to operate the robot.

Key Topics:

  • Introduction to Robotics: Basic concepts, and applications of robotics.
  • Sensors and Perception: Exploration of various sensors used in self-driving vehicles, including cameras, color sensors, and ultrasonic sensors.
  • Machine Learning and AI: Introduction to machine learning algorithms essential for autonomous vehicles, such as supervised and unsupervised learning.
  • Control: Understanding the algorithms used for vehicle control.
  • Localization: Techniques for determining a robot’s position.
  • Real-World Applications: Case studies of self-driving vehicles in various industries.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain the basic principles of self-driving robots.
  • Understand the role of sensors and perception in autonomous navigation.
  • Understand how machine learning techniques are used to train self-driving vehicles.
  • Discuss real-world applications of autonomous vehicles.

As self-driving car technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more of these vehicles on our roads in the coming years.

Sign Up Today!

Spaces are filling up fast, so don’t wait! Visit our wesbite or email us to learn more about Ready Set Code’s after school programs in School District 308 and School District 204 and secure your child’s spot in an unforgettable learning adventure!

Congratulations to the D308 iPad Raffle Winner!

We’re thrilled to announce that Lisa B is the lucky winner of our iPad raffle! 🎊

A huge congratulations to Lisa B, whose review was selected through our spin wheel randomizer! Here’s what Lisa B, our STEM program iPad raffle winner announcement had to say about her experience with Ready Set Code:

“My 9-year-old son was fortunate enough to participate in 2 classes with Ready Set Code. He did a 3D design and printing class and a Drone flying class. The teachers were amazing and my son learned a lot. It was a great experience, and I highly recommend them!”

We’re delighted that Lisa and her son had such a positive experience. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and motivates us to continue offering exceptional STEAM programs. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their thoughts!

We’re also excited to announce that our upcoming fall courses are ready for you to explore on our website. 

We’d love to see the Ready Set Code rocket land in your educational community! If you’d like to see our programs at your school, we encourage you to talk to your PTA and school officials.

Lisa, enjoy your new iPad, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to our fall sessions! Check out our classes here!

Happy learning and coding, everyone! 🚀✨

— The Ready Set Code Team

Inventors and Engineering Camp

Unleash Your Inner Inventor: Build Your Own Contraption!

Calling all creative minds! Have you ever dreamt of building a wacky invention or a mind-blowing machine? This exciting course, Inventors and Engineering Camp is your chance to turn those dreams into reality!

More Than Just Fun and Games

This course is designed to be an engaging and educational experience, perfect for students of all ages. We’ll delve into the fascinating world of motion, energy, and design, all while you build and test your very own contraption!

Learning by Doing

Get ready to get your hands dirty (in a good way)! We’ll provide you with the tools and materials you need to bring your invention to life. Throughout the course, you’ll gain hands-on experience with:

  1. Simple machines: Learn about levers, pulleys, gears, and other fundamental building blocks of movement.
  2. Energy transfer: See how different forms of energy, like potential and kinetic, interact within your contraptions.
  3. The design process: Develop your problem-solving skills as you brainstorm, prototype, and refine your invention.

Innovation at Your Fingertips

Let your imagination run wild! There are no limits to what you can create. Imagine building a machine that completes a simple task in a hilariously complex way or design a device to solve an everyday problem around the house. The possibilities are endless!

Take Your Creation Home!

Feeling proud of your masterpiece? Each student has the option to purchase the materials used in their project, allowing you to take home your invention and continue tinkering long after the course is over.

This course is an opportunity to explore the world of engineering, unleash your creativity, and have a blast doing it! Sign up today and get ready to build something amazing!

Unleash Your Child’s Inner Genius

Ready Set Code’s Summer STEAM Camps in Aurora, Naperville, and Oswego IL

Unleash Your Child’s Inner Genius: Ready Set Code’s Summer STEAM Camps in Aurora, Naperville, and Oswego IL!

Is your child curious about technology? Do they dream of building robots, designing games, or creating the next big invention? Look no further than Ready Set Code’s exciting lineup of Summer STEAM Camps in Aurora, IL! We offer a variety of engaging programs perfect for budding coders, inventors, and tech enthusiasts of all ages.

Looking for Coding Camps Near Me or STEAM Camps Near Me? We’ve Got You Covered!

Located conveniently in Aurora, Ready Set Code is your one-stop shop for all things STEAM education. Our Ready Set Code Rocket touches down in convenient locations in Aurora, Oswego, North Aurora, and Naperville. With our main campus in Aurora, we provide a nurturing environment where kids can explore their creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and gain valuable exposure to the latest technological advancements.

Ready Set Code Summer Camps: 5 Fun-Filled Adventures Await!

This summer, we’re offering five unique STEAM camps, each combining two exciting courses to maximize learning and fun. Here’s a sneak peek at the incredible experiences your child can embark on:

  1. Drone and 3D Printing Camp: Soar through the skies with drone piloting and unleash your imagination with 3D printing technology. Campers will learn to design and print custom creations, mastering aerial maneuvers along the way. The best part? They have the opportunity take home their very own drone and 3D printed masterpiece!
  2. Inventors and Engineer Camp: Calling all innovators! This thrilling camp is designed to spark creativity and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on experiments and exploration, campers will dive into the world of invention, crafting ingenious contraptions and bringing their ideas to life with cutting-edge tech. They’ll even have the option to purchase their inventions and continue their inventive journey long after the camp ends.
  3. AI and Cybersecurity Camp: Become a tech-savvy leader in this exciting camp exploring the fascinating realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity. Campers will delve into the world of AI, learning about machine learning, neural networks, and more. They’ll also unravel the mysteries of cybersecurity, discovering how to protect their digital assets and defend against online threats. Plus, they can purchase and take home their Sphero Mini robot used in the course, empowering them to navigate the digital world with confidence.
  4. App and Game Design Camp: Calling all aspiring game designers! This action-packed camp will equip your child with the skills to create their very own apps and games. From coding interactive experiences to crafting captivating graphics, campers will learn the essentials of app and game design.
  5. Robotics and Internet of Things Camp: Step into the future of technology with this dynamic camp exploring robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT)! Campers will learn to program and control their own robots, exploring sensors, actuators, and building connected devices. They’ll gain a deep understanding of how technology shapes our world and will have the option to purchase their robot and a personalized IoT project to continue their exploration long after the camp!

Don’t Miss Out on the Summer STEAM Fun!

Ready Set Code’s Summer STEAM Camps offer a unique opportunity for kids in Aurora, IL and surrounding areas to explore the exciting world of technology in a fun and interactive way. With a variety of options to choose from, there’s a perfect camp for every curious mind.

Sign Up Today!

Spaces fill up fast, so don’t wait! Visit our website or call us today to learn more about Ready Set Code’s Summer STEAM Camps and secure your child’s spot in an unforgettable learning adventure!