As fall sets in and colder weather and shorter days keep kids indoors for longer, parents can struggle with screen-free ways to keep children entertained, engaged, and learning. Enter MakeInspires, which offers STEAM programs for K-12 students, with a strong focus on elementary and middle school learners.
Established in 2011 and now with locations on the Upper East Side and in Brooklyn, as well as Chappaqua, Mamaroneck, and Darien, Connecticut, MakeInspires focuses on immersive STEAM education, innovative projects, and real-world skills. Kids can enjoy MakeInspires through engaging birthday parties, hands-on school programs and field trips, customizable private lessons and tutoring, and take-home activities. We spoke with Travis Sluss, MakeInspires Founder & CEO, to get more information on the offerings.
Image
Throw a STEAM Birthday Party With MakeInspires
Fall and winter birthday parties face a unique issue, especially in the Northeast, when the colder, darker seasons complicate party options. MakeInspires offers great birthday party packages for STEAM-loving kids at its Upper East Side and Brooklyn locations or off-site. “At MakeInspires STEAM birthday parties, your child and their friends can explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a fun and hands-on way!” Sluss says. Choose from favorite themes like robotics, DIY electric car, magic wands, Minecraft, 3D printing, or something specific to your child’s interests.
The MakeInspires birthday party packages include exclusive use of the UES’ 3,000-square-foot Makerspace, or Brooklyn’s 2,000-square-foot Makerspace, for up to 38 children, two slices of pizza per child, paper goods and utensils, a birthday banner, and bring-your-own dessert. Optional add-ons include balloon garlands, goodie bags, a photo booth, pro photographers, face painting, and more.
In addition to children’s birthday parties, adults can throw events centered around 3D design jewelry, woodshop phone stands, and robotics challenges. MakeInspires also works with Scout groups in Makerspaces or at homes, Scout Houses, and special events for STEAM Badge Workshops. Workshops range from Coding for Good to Cybersecurity, depending on the level of Scouting.
Image
School Programs With MakeInspires
MakeInspires offers after-school programs, school-day programs, field trips, and an enrichment coalition. “With hands-on learning at the center, students do not just understand how things work, they gain the confidence and skills to create what comes next,” Sluss tells us.
MakeInspires’ after-school programs are featured throughout the tri-state area at places like The Chapin School, select YMCAs, and Scarsdale Public Schools. There’s also The Enrichment Coalition (TEC), which focuses on before- and after-school enrichment. These one-hour enrichment classes from MakeInspires are held at your school before or after the school day.
Or, integrate MakeInspires into a field trip or a curriculum that fits with in-school coursework for a day, a week, or a semester. Field trips are available in select areas in NYC, Westchester, and Connecticut to provide immersive STEAM experiences. Students in grades K-12 will travel to MakeInspires’ Youth Makerspaces where they’ll explore unique experiences like robotics challenges, 3D printing and digital design, engineering tools, coding, AI, and creative building materials. Field trips can be as short as one hour or as long as a full school day.
Image
MakeInspires Private Lessons & Tutoring in Select STEAM Subjects
For parents looking for more personalized STEAM enrichment, try MakeInspires’ private lessons and tutoring offerings. “Private lessons are customized to each student’s unique needs and schedule,” Sluss says. The dozens of offerings encompass all ages and range from AP courses (AP 3D Art and AP Computer Science) to stop-motion animation, and AI to Minecraft modding.
The four options for private education include private at home (one student at home), private at Makerspace (one student at Makerspace or remote), semi-private at home (two students at home), and semi-private at Makerspace (two students at our Makerspace or remote). One of the benefits of learning at MakeInspires is that each instructor is an expert in their field. “MakeInspires instructors are passionate and qualified professional engineers and scientists with college degrees for their respective subjects,” Sluss tells us.
Find the Right Fit for Your Child With MakeInspires
From birthday parties and school programs to private lessons and tutoring, MakeInspires gives kids plenty of opportunities to put down the screens and get creative. With hands-on STEAM offerings for a range of ages and interests, it’s a fun way to keep kids learning, building, and exploring—especially when colder weather has everyone spending more time indoors.
Related residents enjoy 15% off STEAM classes and programs. Visit the Related Life app on Google Play or the App Store for offer details.
The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us onFacebookandInstagramfor the latest events, news, and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.
