STEAM Works Studio is an academy that is uniquely focused on fostering and developing essential 21st century and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration in a hands-on and practical, but fun learning environment. Pulse 2.0 interviewed STEAM Works Studio COO, Shanya Swaneet to learn more.
Shanya Swaneet’s Background
What is Shanya Swaneet’s background? Swaneet said:
“My background is in computer science and mathematics. I started as a mechanical engineer at Florida Tech and then transferred to Rowan University in New Jersey, where I began studying computer science and math.”
Formation Of STEAM Works Studio
How did the idea for STEAM Works Studio come together? Swaneet shared:
“STEAM Works Studio began as my partner Shubhendu Das’ idea — he is the founder and CEO. Shubhendu didn’t want his kids to be staring at their phones all the time, so he began working on a curriculum focused on problem-solving and critical thinking, but one that would be hands-on and fun too. He started the company in his garage, and I started working with him on the project in 2014, supporting him with everything he needed to take the company to the next level. As you know, in a startup journey, one has to wear all the hats until you can afford to hire.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Swaneet reflected:
“The impact these youngsters are getting from the program is the best part about it. When they tell you, ‘I now know how a helicopter works,’ they really do understand the gears and mechanics, and they’re so proud to show off the small helicopter they built to their parents. I really appreciate the fact that these kids are getting exposed to such high-quality experiences at such a young age. They’re using what they learn in their real lives and the impact is huge.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Swaneet explained:
“We conduct high-quality summer camps in Princeton, New Jersey, where we’re headquartered, as well as in various school districts and US and international partner centers. The Philadelphia school district is one of our significantly large-scale implementations of daily after-school enrichment and summer camps. Similarly, we conduct enrichment camps and after-school programs for K-8 students in Hoboken, Holmdel, and East Brunswick in the New Jersey area. We also have summer camps and after-school programs in Canada.”
“The students arrive in the morning and stay with us until late afternoon. We engage them in hands-on activities such as robotics, electronics, animation, 3D printing, pottery, and physical computing. They even make battery-operated DIY cars that they can drive. There’s a swimming pool near our Princeton location where we test our underwater robotic creations. Additionally, we participate in robotics competitions worldwide, and our students have represented the USA in Australia and Europe.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have you and the team faced in building the company? Swaneet acknowledged:
“There are always challenges with a startup. Working with some school districts has been difficult, as there are many people in charge at different levels, which can cause delays. The pandemic also presented difficulties, but we’ve been picking up since then. We work around these issues and figure things out. Navigating challenges is simply part of running a business.”
Evolution Of STEAM Works Studio’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Swaneet noted:
“When we first started, hardly any programs like ours were doing robotics, and it was a big hit. Now, we’ve evolved to include hundreds of new modules surrounding coding, biochemistry, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence programs, electronics, Arduino cars, drones, and 3D printing.”
“As we are laser-focused on DIY (do-it-yourself) programs, we make STEAM kits for each classroom which could range from KG level kits to advanced Bluetooth headphones and robotic smart cars. For example, in the drone program, the kids design, customize, and 3D print their drones, adding electronic components. We’re constantly evolving because we run programs throughout the year, every day of the week, and education is limitless. In the school districts we work with, we switch every two weeks to new programs for the students that include electronics, coding, art, pottery, light-up paintings and autonomous robots built from wooden pieces.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Swaneet cited:
“We started small, teaching just a few hundred kids, and have now grown to reach over 50,000 students. The children take home projects they’ve built and proudly share them with their parents. I have countless pictures of kids excitedly showing off their creations to their families and providing wonderful feedback, including why they would like to become scientists, artists, and engineers. Seeing our reach and impact evolve to this level is something I’m truly proud of.”
Customer Success Story
After asking Swaneet about customer success stories, she highlighted:
“The school districts unanimously love our programs. They haven’t seen progressive programs like this before. Three years ago, we did a rocketry summer camp in Philadelphia where the children built rockets and launched them inside the main district building. We made such a grand entry!”
“We once had a showcase day where around 500 parents and their children came. Middle school students had custom-created a robot car and then they did live coding in the car to make it move in front of the whole audience. Many students had never done coding before and now they were making a car move by writing code in real time. All parents and the school administrators admired the impact.”
“Both parents and teachers have told us how grateful they are that these kids have an after-school program like this because it’s really made an impact in their lives.”
Funding
When asking Swaneet about the company’s funding, she revealed:
“We get funded by the school districts we work with, and they receive grants for these programs, which we apply for through an RFP process.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates STEAM Works Studio from its competition? Swaneet affirmed:
“Other after-school programs are very specific — they might only offer coding or robotics, for example. We offer a full grade K-12 STEAM turnkey before/after/summer enrichment solution for the entire school district which is highly engaging and constantly new and progressive.”
“Also, not many companies create their own hands-on kits, which the children in our program take home with them. We cover a lot of subjects under one program across math, science, engineering, design, and art.”
Exposure To Variety Of STEAM Areas
What are some benefits of kids getting exposed to a variety of STEAM areas vs. just one? Swaneet replied:
“Not all children want to be coders – maybe they want to be architects or painters. We try to expose them to a variety of STEAM programs as early as we can and take advantage of every opportunity out there. Kids are so creative, and they want to explore more than just one thing.”
“For example, we have a digital music program called Soundtrack teaching the basics of sound production, composing, and audio engineering. The children record their voices, use preset tones, and plug-in instruments using interfaces and actually design their own music tracks. We don’t want to restrict kids to just some cookie cutter theme. We want them to explore all avenues holistically and see what they might be truly interested in and think of as a career path.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Swaneet pointed out:
“We have embarked on a journey of making the best and most affordable DIY STEAM kits as a future goal for STEAM Works Studio (course videos). Everything we’re doing in schools right now, we are also packaging and giving to the kids to take home. We’re starting a retail line for that side of the business, working with online retailers, maker spaces, schools, and brick-and-mortar stores. Our main goal is to reach kids who might not be able to attend our programs in person. We want to impact as many kids as possible.”
Company Success Factors
What factors do you believe have contributed to your company’s success? Swaneet emphasized:
“We have really good people with us — you can’t build a company without good people. We have a great team and great supportive parents and friends behind us who have really helped the company grow. Having versatile, talented, and trustworthy people in the company makes all the difference.”
Advice
What advice would you give to readers interested in pursuing a similar career path? Swaneet concluded:
“I would say start early. Whatever you want to do, just do it. Don’t wait for a good day, just start today and slowly build up. You learn so much in the process, and it takes time. Begin today, learn as much as you can, make mistakes, and grow from them. Also, stay humble, expand your network and listen to the advice of people who have achieved success in your field.”
