KidsWow STEM
Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math to inspire kids to be leaders in the modern world. Ideal for ages 7–14.
The KidsWow Story
What began as a program to teach English has changed over the years to meet the modern needs of kids today. Yet, the foundation of “Learning the Natural Way” has remained unchanged. Now, KidsWow is focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and financial literacy. KidsWow learners have the opportunity to build, try, and collaborate — not just consume information.
KidsWow Begins
KidsWow started over twenty years ago in a small town tucked away in the mountains of Japan. It was founded on the idea of meeting the needs of a community, and in 2005 that meant teaching English as a second language. But there was a problem. Many English teaching programs were stagnant classrooms that prioritized sitting still and getting a good grade more than genuine language learning.
Warren Okerman, the founder of KidsWow, wanted to do something completely different. He pulled from experience learning a new language himself (Japanese) and watching the way his own children learned to speak English at home. The result was an innovative approach to empower kids with hands-on learning that would stick. Inspired by a brilliant professor named Tom Brewster, Warren built his program based on “Learning the Natural Way”. It worked! KidsWow English operated successfully in Japan from 2005 until Warren and his wife, Jill, returned to the States in 2021. Every member of the Okerman household (Warren, Jill, and each of his seven kids) has been integral in the development and operation of KidsWow.
As the needs of young people changed, KidsWow grew and adapted too. Warren returned to his engineering roots and started an after-school class for robotics and programming. This ended up becoming the beta program for KidsWow STEM. Now KidsWow focuses on teaching kids Physics, STEM, and foundational financial education. The same hands-on approach has stood the test of time.
Quick Timeline
2005
KidsWow English launched in Japan
2016
Program for robotics and coding begins; STEM curriculum starting to develop
2021
Teaching at schools and homeschool co-ops in the US
Today
Hands-on STEM, physics, and foundational finance skills
Why This Matters
KidsWow exists to inspire curiosity, build practical skills, and help young people grow into imaginative, resilient thinkers who can thrive in a changing world. Kids can write real code, take apart and build machines, solve problems together, and practice decision-making logic in finance or engineering. Hands-on learning turns questions into lasting competence.
The Founder
Warren Okerman has loved learning since he was a kid. His mom would bring small machines home from work, and he became fascinated with taking them apart, discovering how they worked from the inside, and sometimes even figuring out how to fix them! That love of learning fueled him to study and graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Later he felt called to become a missionary and moved to Japan. He lived in Japan for almost four decades, where he and his family launched KidsWow.
When he returned to the United States in 2021, Warren was determined to continue to encourage and equip kids. He connected with teachers, schools, and homeschool groups in Kansas City. He heard and experienced firsthand the challenges educators face to teach kids in a world of fast-paced, online entertainment and social media. He saw parents and young people alike wondering what they could do to compete in a world where advancements in AI and technology cause the economic landscape to shift daily.
His conclusion is that we are in a pivotal time. Kids need encouragement and space for real, hands-on learning more than ever. Skills like problem solving, creativity, and a commitment to learning are crucial to equip kids to resiliently face the challenges and opportunities ahead of them. Let's give our kids the opportunity to do just that.
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