Innovators Inc: Making STEM Learning Fun, Hands-On, and Creative
For David Simpson, STEM education has always involved more than just understanding how something works. It’s about giving young people the chance to experiment, build, and create something of their own. That concept is at the center of Innovators Inc., a STEM/STEAM education organization that offers hands-on experiences to children and their families through in-school and after-school programs, online learning, and retail partnerships.
Innovators Inc. is built around fun, hands-on projects that actually do something cool while introducing students to science, engineering, technology, and creativity. Many of the workshops start with everyday kits and toys that students can take apart, explore, and transform into something new. Instead of simply following instructions, students are encouraged to understand how things work and then use what they learn to create something unique. The workshops are supported by multimedia course materials, making them flexible enough to work both in person and virtually.
The idea behind the company comes from David’s own childhood. Both of his parents were artists and designers, and they encouraged him to create rather than simply follow what was already made for him. He remembers being given colored paper and pencils and being told, “Here, draw your own ideas.” Looking back, he sees that as one of the greatest gifts he received. It taught him to think independently, build confidence, and see the physical world as something he could interact with and shape.
That curiosity continued as he grew up. David built balsa wood model airplanes, learned how to solder, and worked with just about every kit Radio Shack had to offer. But he wasn’t satisfied with simply building each kit the way it was designed. He started combining pieces from different kits to see what else he could create. Over time, that same curiosity turned into a passion for teaching. He began teaching technology to children through after-school programs and eventually worked with organizations including the Liberty Science Center, Civil Air Patrol, and International Spy Museum. He also wrote DIY articles for Make: Magazine. Those experiences eventually came together to inspire Innovators Inc.
Today, David serves as the company’s Founder and Chief Tech Guide, overseeing everything from product and curriculum development to managing the team of Tech Guides who deliver the programs. He also works with schools, camps, youth organizations, museums, community groups, and retail partners to bring Innovators Inc.’s programs to more young people. Much of the company’s growth has come from building those relationships and continually finding new places where hands-on STEM education can make an impact.
That business development process has been one of the company’s biggest ongoing challenges, but David continues to approach it by building relationships and expanding his network. His experience with the Tech Incubator at Queens College (TIQC) has helped with that effort as well. Through TIQC, Ying Zhou has connected Innovators Inc. with individuals in her network who may be interested in the company’s services, helping create new opportunities and connections along the way.
David’s advice to others entering the STEM education or technology space is straightforward: follow what you’re passionate about, build and make use of your network, and don’t be afraid to bring AI into the way you develop your strategies and tactics. For him, the work is ultimately about helping young people discover that they can be creators, not just consumers of technology.
That mission continues to shape what’s next for Innovators Inc. David recently led a successful STEM Summer Camp for middle school students at Civic Hall in New York City alongside his team of Tech Guides. The program received positive feedback from parents and leadership at Civic Hall, the NY Tech Alliance, and the Fedcap Group. Building on that experience, Innovators Inc. is looking toward new after-school enrichment opportunities for high school students and exploring the creation of a makerspace where high schoolers and young adults can learn, experiment, and build.
At its core, Innovators Inc. is about giving young people the same opportunity David had growing up: the freedom to explore an idea, figure out how things work, and make something that didn’t exist before. By making STEM education hands-on, creative, and fun, the company is helping the next generation see technology not just as something to learn, but as something they can use to bring their own ideas to life.
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Innovators Inc.