Dear valued customer,
After more than 20 years in the toy business, we’re closing our doors to the Rokenbok Toy Company in order to focus all of our energy on our nonprofit, Kid Spark Education. This is an exciting change for us and we hope you’ll join us for the journey.
Why did we make the change? Rokenbok began the transition to a nonprofit STEM education organization back in 2005 when parents and teachers were regularly crediting the Rokenbok toy system with inspiring their children to select STEM educational and career paths. Our founder, Paul Eichen, saw that the Rokenbok toy system had the potential to do so much more than turn a profit; he saw the potential to revolutionize how children experienced and embraced science, technology, engineering, and math, especially those from underrepresented groups in STEM.
After several years of academic research, program development, and pilot evaluations, Rokenbok officially became a STEM education nonprofit in 2015. Our mission was, and still is, to help all children prepare for a lifetime of interest in science and technology.
Today, with the support of a dynamic and committed team of nonprofit professionals and STEM education experts, Rokenbok Education programs have been adopted by over 1200 educational institutions in 49 states, impacting the lives of thousands of students.
Rebranding to Kid Spark Education officially marks our transformation from a for-profit toy company to a non-profit STEM education company. We no longer just make toys; we’re building the next generation of STEM leaders.
When you explore the new Kid Spark Education website, you’ll see that we offer two STEM education programs: Elementary School (PK-5) and Middle School (6-8). Kid Spark Education programs make it possible for any caring educator to teach STEM, even with their youngest students. The elementary and middle school programs are especially effective at helping children to see themselves as critical thinkers and problem solvers. All Kid Spark Education programs include curriculum, educational media, and online professional learning.
With Kid Spark Education Elementary and Middle school programs, you get the following components:
- Easy-to-use curriculum that can be taught in any classroom, by any teacher
- Online professional learning that helps any caring educator become a STEM mentor
- Robust, reusable, and organized Mobile STEM Labs that make teaching STEM easy and affordable
Kid Spark Education gives you the tools you need to build a fun, hands-on, and affordable STEM education program at your school.
Why invest in STEM? Because we’re living in a technological world, and the young people with the skills and drive to pursue STEM subjects will be the innovators who shape our shared future. These skills are vital to all youth, no matter what path they take in life. By developing your students' love for science and technology today, you're helping to ensure they are able to thrive tomorrow.
Thank you for believing in our mission and continuing to support Kid Spark Education. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to get involved or with any questions.
All the best,
Jena Olson
Executive Director