When Tina Catalone and her husband Bradley first met during graduate school at Penn State College of Medicine, they quickly discovered two things: they shared a common passion for science and discovery, and they worked extremely well together as lab partners.
That partnership soon turned into a relationship outside of the classroom, and the couple went on to get married, obtain PhDs, and publish together in the medical research field. Through the next 16 years, Bradley’s path took him into the medical and pharmaceutical industry, while Tina’s career leaned more towards scientific research and education.
“I enjoyed the educational aspect of it, and as a university professor for many years, I became really passionate about teaching students and trying to train and educate the next generation,” says Tina.
Tina and Bradley’s professions led them to live in several states across the country, and during those years their family grew as they had four children together.
As parents, the Catalones understood the importance of their children’s education, and they wanted to encourage their kids to always continue to explore the world around them and develop their own interests in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This strong family value soon turned into a bigger vision, and the idea of The STEM Labs began to take root.
“We started The STEM Labs because we feel we have a unique opportunity to build something where kids of all ages can have the experience of working with a mentor who’s either a STEM professional in their field or a certified teacher. So by creating this unique opportunity, we are able to develop these programs that are more in tuned to real life experiences and relevant material,” says Tina.
“We know that STEM jobs will increase by more than 10% over the next decade. We know that median annual wages for STEM occupations are more than double that of all other occupations, so there’s a real need in the workforce for us to help train the next generation.”
The STEM Labs opened in Wilmington this past June and offers a variety of children’s programs ranging from preschool to 12th grade with engaging, interactive learning experiences that encourage cooperative work and leadership skills. The Catalones believe that even the youngest learners can benefit from this innovative approach to scientific and mathematical education.
“We know that children have very strong feelings about math and science that develop at a young age, and if we can give them positive experiences and a place where they can explore, build confidence, and do hands-on learning and ask questions, then that would encourage them to maybe look in that direction in their future, and at the very least just have a voice. Even if they don’t go into a STEM profession, they’re learning how to problem-solve, and I think that’s important for any career they go into,” says Tina.
The Catalones believe that the Cape Fear region is the perfect place to set roots for their business. There are many unique types of education platforms here, including the public schools, charter schools, private schools, and a large homeschool community. The STEM Labs programs are universal, and students from any of these core backgrounds can benefit from the variety of supplemental enrichment offered.
“STEM is really holistic. You can’t do science without doing math, and you can’t do engineering without the science application. It’s all interrelated and integrated within each other,” says Tina.
“It’s important when you teach kids why they have to learn these fundamentals to look at how it all works. When we do hands-on learning, kids are starting to see what the end result is. When they connect the dots like that, it really comes together for them.”
At The STEM Labs, students can receive tutoring, attend workshops based on interest (Harry Potter chemistry!), enroll in a preschool program, enjoy summer and intercession camps, and go to an after-school program. With a staff made up exclusively of STEM professionals, the Catalones believe that their business stands apart from others in the industry.
“There are many really talented people out there who believe in this type of mission and want to see kids get inspired. We’ve had people fly in from all over the country for our summer camp just to meet with the kids and talk to them about their jobs and their careers,” says Tina.
“If your child has an interest in computer programming, they can learn from someone who’s a software engineer. If they think they might want to study genetics, come to us because we have somebody with a PhD in genetic engineering. It’s exciting for them have a resource that might not otherwise be easily accessible in their current educational program.”
The Catalones say that they have already received interest about franchise opportunities and investing. Their vision definitely includes growth and possible expansion into other areas down the line, but for right now they are focusing on establishing themselves firmly in Wilmington first.
“We’re excited and humbled that the community has been so supportive of us. Just to hear the positive feedback we’ve received from the parents and the kids is the best feeling ever, because it means that we’re doing something positive,” says Tina.
“We’ve been very blessed with mentors in our own lives and our careers, and this was something we feel strongly about, not just for our four kids but on a bigger scale. We’re only going to grow with the community support.”
Learn more about The STEM Labs:
thestemlabs.com
910-679-5060
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