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Local STEM-focused company provides free coding classes for kids

Posted at 8:07 AM, May 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-11 11:46:45-04

(KGTV) -- Sharmi Albrechtsen is no stranger to online learning. She was first introduced in ABC's hit show, Shark Tank, where she scored a deal with her product Smartgurlz, an application controlled robot that teaches kids the basics of coding.

"At the end of the day it's about getting the boys and girls, and under served learners excited about STEM," said Sharmi.

She added that STEM, short for science, technology, engineering and math, is a subject you could never learn too early.

"We really need to get as many kids as possible into these STEM careers so they could take up these jobs and further our society."

She was working with schools to bring the robot-based product Smart Buddies, similar to Smartgurlz, into more classrooms until COVID-19 hit.

"The schools shut down and suddenly we saw a spike in our online program and specifically the home program," Sharmi described.

That's when she found a way kids could still bring Smart Buddies into their newfound classrooms.

"Just a few weeks ago we started doing webinars online, employing teachers to help around the clock so you can join in our free webinars."

With the prolonging of school closures, the idea of virtual coding camps was born.

"With all the camps closed, here you get two weeks of consistent learning. It keeps you occupied and active, and allows parents to get a little free time during summer which I think is important."

The camp kicks off in June but if the reviews from Sharmi's webinars are any preview of what's to come, she'll help kids continue to build success while building codes.

"We just get these wonderful letters from parents on a daily basis saying 'Thank you for creating smart buddies and allowing for our kids to be engaged and active all day long'."