FranchiseExpo: Tell us about the Young Engineers franchise concept.
Amir Asor: At e² Young Engineers our focus is to develop fast-growing enrichment programs to better our engineers of future generations. Our approach to education is to incorporate STEM principles through the provision of engaging educational solutions at the early stages of cognitive development. These principles teach basic scientific principles and complex subjects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Software Engineering through the use of games. The essence of the method is based on theoretical studies, research and statistics tests. These programs establish educational goals that are achieved by combining digital and hands-on learning platforms with custom designed LEGO® and K'Nex® assembly kits which are uniquely designed and developed by our staff.
FE: How and when did you become involved with Island of Young Engineers?
AA: After volunteering as a paramedic in emergency rooms, I started to develop the basic idea behind Young Engineers. It was based on the principle of providing personal care and attention to every individual need in a large group of patients. As a result of this experience, I understood that a teacher in a classroom that only uses one teaching method does not utilize their own individual learning style. Children who have just begun their elementary schooling cannot predict what kind of careers and opportunities will exist in 15 years’ time. Therefore, it is important that teachers give each student the individual attention and care from the instructor.
FE: What was your background prior to joining Young Engineers?
AA: I have a BA in Computer Science & Economics. In 2008, I started Young Engineers. Growing up in school I had difficulties learning, so I wanted to create a different approach to teach STEM to children. In 2011, I was rewarded the Entrepreneur of the year by Youth Business International. In 2012, I started franchising, and today we have over 60 franchisees spanning to 26 countries.
FE: What are some of the advantages in being a Young Engineers franchisee?
AA: Young Engineers is beneficial for our franchise’s because our company offers fast ROI, as well as working with a statistically-proven product. Furthermore, one can be part of an award-winning company that uses innovative approaches that are promoted by highly-regarded academic institutions. Furthermore, one can be have a home-based business, flexible working hours, comprehensive training program for new franchisees, managerial, financial planning and logistical support. Lastly, we have our own Research & Development team that is always creating new products, models and programs to add to our curriculum.
FE: Who is your ideal franchisee?
AA: I would say that we are looking for franchise’s who can spread the word about our company and create future expansion plans for the future. We want our programs to be incorporated in public / private schools, day cares, community centers, churches, science museums, and the home school sector. Children who are in elementary schooling cannot predict what kind of careers and opportunities will exist in 15 years’ time but, if we prepare the future generations for the future while they are still young they will have more success in the future.
FE: Tell us a little about the Educational Children franchise?
AA: We offer 5 annual programs. Our first program is called Big Builders for 4-6 year olds. This program uses K'nex parts. Our annual curriculum is 32-35 lessons. This program uses K'nex parts which are bigger and suitable for this age group. Our Lego Challenge program is aimed for 6-10 years old. GaliLego is for 10-12 years old or Young Engineers’ Lego Challenge graduates. Our newest program, ROBOLego is for-7-11 years old. Lastly, our newest development is our APP. The app incorporates all the building sheets and put them in 360 degrees. The Young Engineers APP combines hand on skills with technology, something that each child today knows how to deal with. The best function of the app is that there is a student portal and a teacher portal which contains instruction manuals, and a system that the teachers can use to update through a special Parent App about what children has achieved during each lessons.
FE: In your opinion, why do you think that Island of Young Engineers would be a great opportunity for someone?
AA: Our focus at e² Young Engineers is on the future generations of engineers and scientists. Our initiative has always been to establish an original and unparalleled educative approach to assisting the engineers of tomorrow by creating engaging educational solutions early on. We always seek to offer every child in the world the opportunity and confidence to enter a challenging society by providing an inspiring, hands-on environment which will develop the necessary skill sets.
