COMPUCHILD, a leading provider of entrepreneurial and technology-focused enrichment programs for children, is excited to announce the launch of its newest franchise territory serving Union City and Hayward, California. The location will be owned and managed by Ms. Samareen Rafai, an experienced educator, technology professional, and dedicated East Bay community member who is passionate about empowering young learners.
 
As demand continues to rise for after-school programs that equip children with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven future, COMPUCHILD is expanding its presence in communities seeking innovative educational opportunities. The organization's unique Entrepreneurial STEAM™ framework integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics with financial literacy, communication, ethics, and entrepreneurial thinking. This comprehensive approach helps students develop creativity, adaptability, confidence, and critical problem-solving skills through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
 
Families in Union City and Hayward will soon have access to a broad range of enrichment programs covering robotics, computer programming, drone technology, 3D design and printing, clean energy concepts, electronics, public speaking, debate, financial literacy, digital publishing, Science Bowl preparation, investing fundamentals, artificial intelligence, machine learning, startup development, and other experiential STEM and entrepreneurship-based subjects. These programs will be available through after-school classes, weekend workshops, holiday camps, and summer learning experiences designed to make education both enjoyable and relevant to the future.
 
As a parent of school-aged children, Ms. Rafai understands the lasting impact that quality educational opportunities can have on a child's development. Her academic background in Computer Science Engineering, combined with more than five years of experience in the technology sector and several years working with elementary-age students, positions her well to lead this new venture.
 
Ms. Rafai's relationship with COMPUCHILD began in the classroom as an instructor, where she spent over three years teaching enrichment courses and collaborating closely with students and families. During that time, she witnessed how interactive, project-based learning could spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire children to take an active interest in their education.
 
"My experience as both a parent and an instructor has shown me how powerful hands-on learning can be," said Ms. Rafai. "What initially attracted me to COMPUCHILD was the way students were encouraged to actively explore, create, and solve problems rather than simply memorize information. Watching children become excited about learning motivated me to expand my involvement and bring these programs to even more families through franchise ownership."
 
Discussing her decision to join the COMPUCHILD franchise network, Ms. Rafai added, "One of the things that impressed me most was the strong culture of collaboration and support throughout the organization. The mentorship and guidance provided by Ms. Kant are exceptional, and franchise owners genuinely support one another's success. It feels like a network of educators and entrepreneurs united by a shared mission to help children reach their full potential. I'm thrilled to introduce these opportunities to families throughout Union City and Hayward."
 
Welcoming Ms. Rafai to the franchise family, COMPUCHILD President Ms. Shubhra Kant shared, "I have had the privilege of knowing Samareen for nearly five years and have consistently admired her dedication to children and education. She brings genuine enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment to everything she does. Her willingness to continuously learn, embrace new challenges, and strive for excellence makes her an outstanding leader. I am confident that her passion, expertise, and strong community connections will help many children discover a love for learning while benefiting from our hands-on educational programs."
 
With growing awareness among parents about the importance of future-ready skills, COMPUCHILD continues to expand throughout the United States and Canada by partnering with franchise owners who share a commitment to education and community engagement. Its affordable franchise model provides educators, professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs with an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building a rewarding business.
 
Drawing on more than three decades of experience in children's enrichment education, COMPUCHILD has established itself as a respected provider of STEM and entrepreneurial learning programs. The organization is proud to hold Cognia STEM Certification and has been recognized by Franchise Business Review for franchisee satisfaction for 13 consecutive years, reflecting its dedication to educational excellence and franchise support.
 
Individuals interested in exploring franchise ownership opportunities with COMPUCHILD and contributing to the development of future-ready learners can learn more by visiting the company's Own a Franchise page.

Since stepping into her role, Thompson has focused on helping teachers bring digital learning to life using resources from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. She collaborates closely with her colleagues, guiding them in effectively using these tech-based lesson plans in their classrooms.

“I had already been a teacher within Kansas City Public Schools and was always passionate about educational technology,” Thompson shares. “Now, I still get to connect with students while also supporting teachers in becoming their best.”

Thompson plays a key role in implementing Verizon Innovative Learning HQ’s free lesson plans, which include over 450 tech-driven activities developed in partnership with organizations like McGraw Hill, Discovery Education, and Arizona State University. These plans span a variety of topics—from coding and game development to science and art.

Sometimes, a lesson calls for an app or tool not currently available at the school. When that happens, Thompson looks for creative alternatives. “We may not always have the exact tool a lesson suggests,” she explains, “but the detailed outlines in each plan help me find effective substitutes using what we already have.”

A standout favorite among students is the Stop-Motion Animation lesson, which encourages hands-on creativity while reinforcing STEM concepts. Though the lesson recommends a specific app, Thompson identified a similar tool already installed on school devices. Fifth-grader Gabriela finds it engaging: “I take all the photos, then use the app to add effects. It feels like I’m learning something new—like editing and video skills.”

The lesson also introduces students to concepts in physics (motion and gravity), engineering (set design), and math (timing and frame rates).

Another widely loved activity is the Emoji Design project. Although the suggested graphic design platform wasn't available, Thompson found five alternative programs that achieved the same goal. Students were able to choose the one they liked best and customize their designs accordingly. Sixth-grader Kevin created a sports-themed emoji, while eighth-grader Maria Jose explored gradient backgrounds on her own.

The adaptability of the lesson plans fosters creativity and autonomy in the classroom. Students are encouraged to choose the tools they feel most comfortable with, building confidence and expanding their digital skillsets. Thompson recalls one student who gravitated toward a music production app. “He was excited to use it for percussion work,” she says. “He told me, ‘I’m good at keeping beats,’ and I loved seeing him channel that.”

Thompson believes that using technology as a tool for creation, rather than just consumption, is transformative. “It gives students the power to express themselves and demonstrate what they’ve learned in ways that feel personal and meaningful,” she says. “When they’re given choice, they find their voice—and that’s huge.”

Students agree. “We get to add our own ideas into our assignments,” says seventh-grader Gabriel. His classmate Leo puts it simply: “It makes learning more fun.”

STEM and robotics teacher Tim Nash has noticed the broader impact of these lessons. Students are applying their newly acquired skills to other classes, such as journalism. “They now produce weekly video announcements using tools introduced through these lessons,” Nash says. “It’s exciting to see them transfer those skills beyond just one subject.”

These video projects are shared throughout the school and have empowered middle-school students to take on leadership roles in content creation—an outcome Nash calls “pretty cool.”

To support her fellow educators, Thompson shares a regular newsletter filled with project ideas, examples, and resources. She also provides individualized support through one-on-one conversations, ensuring teachers feel confident using the materials. “What’s really great is that teachers are taking these resources and making them their own,” she says. “And the results have been both creative and inspiring.”