A Grand Opening for Empow Studios in Newton
A Ribbon Cutting, Open House, and Workshops Kick-off a New Chapter
Members of the Newton-Needham business community were on hand to celebrate the opening of a new STEM Enrichment Center at 180 Needham Street in Newton, MA.
Empow Studios, a provider of technology enrichment programs for school-aged children, has offered a broad range of offerings at its Lexington, MA studio since 2013, and has built-up a successful network of summer camps and workshops at satellite locations throughout the greater Boston area.
The expansion of a second studio, which officially opened in Newton on June 12, is another milestone for Empow Studios’ Founder and CEO Leonid Tunik, who is also a Newton resident.
“It took a village to get here,” said Tunik before the ribbon cutting as he reflected on the five year expansion journey and thanked all who contributed. “I think this is going to be a fantastic location for us,” he added. “It’s a great community who’s very interested in what we do and in education. I’m very happy to be here.”
Among those in attendance at the official opening event were representatives from the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Newton.
“We’re delighted there’s an education component to Needham Street,” remarked Newton’s Economic Development Director, Kathryn Ellis, as she welcomed Empow Studios. “We have a lot of educational programs in Newton but STEM is so important. Our Parks and Recreation programs get sold out in a matter of minutes, so we’re delighted there is another option.”
The new studio is located in the 500 acre area called the Newton-Needham (N²) Innovation District, which is an initiative between Newton, Needham, and the Regional Chamber. “Empow Studios is the kind of company that helps give the N² Innovation District a unique position within the Greater Boston innovation ecosystem,” says N² Director Chuck Tanowitz. “Empow joins a growing number of companies in the area that target the K-12 space, including CoachUp, Boston Ballet and Sheprd. We have the right demographics to help innovative education-focused companies test their business models and fuel their growth.”
As part of the official kick-off, Empow Studios donated $100 each to the Needham Education Foundation and the Newton Free Library. Following the grand opening, Empow Studios’ Newton Site offered a series of free weekday workshops and an open house on Saturday, June 23. The events were designed to invite the community into the new space for a hands-on look at how the programs work.
Ready for a STEM Summer
Empow Studios’ Newton Site Director Michelle Meyer has been busy planning for a variety of summer camps, clubs, and workshops along with undertaking extensive preparations for the 2018-19 school year. Sheprd transportation company has been contracted to bring students from school locations to the Empow Studios STEM After School Club in the Fall.
Overall, there will be the same award-winning programs that are offered at the Lexington location. One brand-new option, only at the Newton location for now, is the Girls STEM Camp offered this summer!
To register for any clubs and camps offered at the Newton location, visit the Newton Studio page here.
