Engineering Hoover's Future: Nat Alkire on Sparking Young Innovators
Local parent and seasoned engineer Nat Alkire (holding degrees in Electrical Engineering in Telecommunication and Power Electronics and an MBA in Management of Information Technology) is on a mission: to ignite a lifelong passion for discovery in Over The Mountain’s children. Driven by what she saw as a need for truly engaging STEM learning, Nat founded Young Engineers - Over The Mountain, bringing a world-renowned educational approach right to our doorstep. "I wanted to offer programs that don't just teach abstract concepts, but allow kids to get their hands dirty, to build, problem-solve, and see how science and technology shape their world," Nat explains. "It’s about inspiring the next generation of thinkers and creators, right here in Hoover and surrounding areas." Founded in 2008, this global organization operates in over 60 countries, and its innovative STEM curriculum has earned recognition from the Harvard School of Education and the European Union Commission. "Their 'edutainment' philosophy – making learning a genuine adventure – was a perfect fit," Nat says. "We use Master Bricks Box, innovative coding tools, and a progressive curriculum to make even complex ideas exciting and accessible." More Than Just Play: Building Skills for Life
At Young Engineers - Over The Mountain, the goal is to foster critical skills. Children don't just build models; they develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and teamwork. "Seeing a child's confidence soar as they master a new concept or complete a challenging build is incredibly rewarding," Nat shares. "That 'aha!' moment is what we strive for." "It’s about inspiring the next generation of thinkers and creators, right here in Hoover." - Nat Alkire
Unlock Your Child's Potential: Summer & Year-Round! Hoover families are invited to discover the difference. Young Engineers - Over The Mountain offers:
We also offer:
☀️ Unforgettable Summer and Winter Camps (Ages 4-18): Ditch the summer slide for hands-on adventures! Our camps are packed with dynamic projects, from introductory coding with AlgoBuddy (ages 4-6) to exploring mechanics with Bricks Challenge (ages 6-10) and diving into advanced robotics. It's a lot of fun that builds real-world skills and new friendships.
🗓️ Engaging After-School Programs (Ages 4-18): Keep the spark alive all year! Weekly sessions provide a continuous pathway for growth, from foundational science with Big Builders (ages 4-6) to sophisticated engineering and coding challenges in programs like Galileo Technic, Robo Bricks, and our advanced Robotics Program for older students. Program Details
Here’s a quick look at some of our core programs:
AlgoBuddy (Ages 4-6): Introduces foundational coding and algorithmic thinking. Bricks Challenge (Ages 6-10): Focuses on the fundamentals of engineering and physics through building motorized models. RoboToys (Ages 9-12): Introduces students to robotics and coding in a creative and collaborative environment. AlgoC (Ages 13-18): Our newest program where AI, robotics, and coding collide, providing a strong foundation in advanced problem-solving. Build Up Program: A unique program designed specifically for children on the autistic spectrum to enhance communication and social skills through building activities. Community Programs
We also offer programs designed for the wider community:
Building Blocks for Seniors: Our Golden Age program uses hands-on STEM activities to engage residents in building mechanical and motorized models. This is not only fun but also helps maintain fine and gross motor skills. These activities are perfect for seniors in Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care. Bonding Beyond Generations Workshops: We also offer a unique opportunity for seniors and grandchildren to work together in a 90-minute STEM workshop. This program uses building blocks to bridge the generations, allowing grandparents and their grandchildren to share an engaging, memorable experience. It’s a great way to foster connections and create meaningful moments.
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Our Equipment Leasing & Curriculum program, a turn-key solution that allows you to offer a full suite of engaging robotics and coding programs, led by your own talented staff. Our most popular partnership for libraries is the STEM Pathway Bundle, a comprehensive equipment and curriculum lease designed to create a progressive learning journey for children ages 4-18 and seniors. For $2,500 per month (based on a 3-year partnership), this bundle provides everything you need to run four distinct programs, serving up to 16 children at a time. The lease includes:
All Equipment: Our proprietary kits (8 Master Bricks Boxes, serving up to 16 children) and 8 pre-loaded tablets. Additional Master Bricks sets can be added for $250 per set/month. Proven Curriculum: Detailed, engaging lesson plans for each program. Full Support: Comprehensive staff training and our ongoing partnership to ensure your success. The STEM Pathway Bundle Programs
The bundle features four of our most popular programs:
Bricks Challenge (Ages 6-10): The fundamentals of engineering and physics. Galileo Technic (Ages 7-10): Advanced mechanical engineering concepts. AlgoPlay (Ages 6-10): The fundamentals of programming and mechanical engineering. RoboToys (Ages 9-12): An introduction to robotics and coding. Expand Your Reach with Our Add-On Programs
You can also expand your offerings to a wider audience:
Preschool Add-On (Ages 4-6): For an additional $1,500 per month, you can add our AlgoBuddy program, perfect for introducing foundational coding and algorithmic thinking to your youngest learners. AlgoC (Ages 13-18), For an additional $1,500 per month,: Our newest program where AI, robotics, and coding collide, providing a strong foundation in advanced problem-solving. "My commitment," Nat emphasizes, "is to provide an environment where every child feels empowered to explore and create. We're not just teaching STEM; we're cultivating a love for learning that will last a lifetime." Ready to Engineer Some Fun? Invest in your child's future and ignite their passion for innovation. Visit https://overthemountain.youngengineers.org/ or page to explore Summer
Camp and After-School Program schedules and to register. Spots are limited! Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/youngengineersoverthemountain/
Nattakarn (Nat) Alkire
Owner & Licensee
Young Engineers Over The Mountain
(205)-440-2613
Proud Member, Hoover Chamber of Commerce
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://overthemountain.youngengineers.org
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/youngengineersoverthemountain/
