Connor’s Kits for Kids

Bill Warner Friday, July 30, 2010

The STEM (Science, Technology, Education and Math) education initiative is certainly gaining momentum throughout North Carolina. Without realizing it, Connor Bernstein started down the same path of being a leader in science education from the time he was in the fourth grade. Now, at fifteen, Bernstein is an emerging entrepreneur with exciting science project kits for kids of all ages; including adults that think like kids.

The mission of Bernstein's company, Kits For Kids, is to show kids just how much fun science can be with simple, focused, teacher and kid friendly science kits and activities. Bernstein says, “It’s important to give all kids the chance to find their place in the world of science. Science can sometimes seem complicated and mysterious, like it’s only for certain kinds of people. That’s definitely not true! I believe we can never have enough experimenters and innovators. Inspiring our next generation of scientists with exciting, hands on experiences at an early age is what I’m all about. I mean, what’s better than having fun while you’re learning?”

 

Bernstein founded Kits for Kids when he was in the fourth grade, because he was frustrated with the science kits he bought in stores. He says, “I’ve been playing with science kits and experiments since I was little. I look at things and wonder, why does that happen or how does that work, so it was frustrating when my teachers couldn’t always answer my questions, or when science kits ran out of materials before I was finished experimenting with them. I finally decided to see what I could do about that, and in third grade I began making science experiments and showing them to friends who thought they were really cool. By fourth grade, my love of teaching and my love of science came together when I started Connor’s Kits for Kids. Today, kids all over the country are using my kits and having fun with science! My allowance friendly kits help kids learn about science with awesome, focused experiments, lots of materials, and easy to follow instructions with clear explanations. In fact, I include such a generous amount of materials it’s like getting two kits for the price of just one!”

 

Bernstein is truly a unique individual. His curiosity is boundless and his energy is seemly unlimited. Bernstein can be found teaching science to school children, as they learn how to make Slime, create Plant Pals and discover Insta-Pets. All of this and more is out of Bernstein’s innovative mind. Remarkably, he has conducted team building sessions for small businesses, having them all make Slime together. Fun stuff!! He says, “I know that inspiring the next generation of scientists starts with positive science experiences at an early age. That’s why I raise funds so I can visit elementary and middle school classrooms at no cost to teachers and lead exciting science activities with students. I also speak to students about the importance of entrepreneurship and the pursuit of life goals.”

But, this is a business. Bernstein has pulled together the marketing program, science project design, packaging, raw material supply, manufacturing and assembly of his innovative science kits. He has sold hundreds of them, and is ramping up to sell thousands with the help of his new website and manufacturing operations.He is running an increasingly complex and rapidly expanding retail business, and has yet to graduate from high school.

 

Bernstein has big dreams of being a successful entrepreneur that brings value to society through science education. As a high school senior (Yes, a 15 year old senior) at Hawbridge Charter High School in Saxapahaw, NC, he plans to go onto college to further pursue his dream. In fact, he is getting a head start on that by already completing college Chemistry, Biology and Launching the Venture.

 

His mom has supported him the whole way. She's helped him develop the skills needed to build his company and stay organized. She's also helped troubleshoot issues, and of course, driven him to meetings and places he needs to be. Thanks to his devoted mom and dad's financial sacrifices, he’s been able to afford the costs associated with building his business.

 

If Connor Bernstein can do all of this himself, with his parent’s devoted help, think what could happen if he got some help from others. He has gotten professional business help and meets with them regularly. Keep an eye on this entrepreneur. He is going to be one of our leading business people in North Carolina.

 

I suggest that the education innovators of North Carolina learn some things from Connor Bernstein about how to bring science to kids in innovative and effective ways.

Filed Under: Raleigh Happenings, Starting a Business



Bill Warner is the Managing Partner of Paladin and Associates, a business consulting firm in the Research Triangle Park area of central North Carolina, and is the Chairman of the Triangle Accredited Capital Forum, an angel investor network with over one hundred members throughout the southeast.

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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

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