Two Local Neighbors Offer Kids a Fun Way to Learn How to Code

Say the words “video game” and your kids are bound to stop and listen. The local owners of a new Code Ninjas, a learning center that recently opened at 31-35 31st Street, know that video games aren’t only fun, but educational. Code Ninjas will serve the local area by teaching children computer coding and problem-solving skills while having fun building video games.

The Astoria location is owned and operated by New York natives and six-year neighbors Cheng Yang and Ronny Beyer. Yang has a coding background and has worked in the technology industry for 20 years. Beyer is currently a small business owner and was introduced to Code Ninjas with Yang when their friend opened a Code Ninjas location. They loved the concept, saw the impact it could make on the kids in the community and knew it would be a great fit in Queens. This is their first location, with plans to expand in the future.

“Our kids played a role in inspiring us to open this new Code Ninjas because we recognize how important it is for kids to learn how to code,” said Yang. “Code Ninjas provides kids with an awesome, fun way to learn how to code and build life skills, which is why we are excited to have the opportunity to be the first Code Ninjas within the five boroughs.”

To ensure the safety of all Ninjas, parents, and Senseis, Code Ninjas is taking extra precautions. The center will be thoroughly cleaned routinely, on a daily basis by employees. Devices, tables, door handles, bathrooms, and other frequently-used surfaces will be sanitized throughout the day. In addition, student workspaces and equipment, including computers, monitors, and mice will be cleaned between every student session. There will be an increased distance between individual student workstations in the dojo, as well as careful monitoring and enforcement of no-contact interactions.

Astoria children ages 7-14 can look forward to visiting the new Code Ninjas center to learn how to code in a fun, safe, and social learning environment where gaming is celebrated, and STEM is cool. Everything about Code Ninjas is built around fun, which keeps kids coming back. But the center also provides the results that parents are looking for, as their children gain coding and problem-solving skills they’ll need for the jobs of the future.

Code Ninjas accomplishes this with a robust, game-based curriculum made up of nine belts, just like martial arts. The curriculum is self-paced, but not self-taught; kids get immediate help and encouragement from Code Senseis and fellow students as they advance from white to black belt. The program keeps kids motivated with little wins along the way, and “Belt-Up” celebrations where they receive color-coded wristbands to mark their graduation to the next level. By the time a child finishes the program, they will publish an app in an app store.

Code Ninjas offers a variety of opportunities for children to get involved, including a flexible weeknight drop-in program, camps and Parents Night Out events on weekends.

For more information about the Astoria Code Ninjas location, please visit https://www.codeninjas.com/ny-astoria.

About Code Ninjas

Founded in 2016, Code Ninjas® is the world’s largest and fastest-growing kids coding franchise. At Code Ninjas centers, kids learn to code while building their own video games. They gain problem solving, critical thinking, and STEM skills in a fun, safe, and inspiring environment. Kids have fun, parents see results®. For more information, visit codeninjas.com.