Last Updated on July 24, 2012 by DeanR
Computer Explorers Franchise
Computer Explorers is a franchise for a business providing education through technology. It was founded in 1984 by Karen Marshall and Mary Rogers. Back then, personal computers were not as common as it is now.
They started with just one computer and 10 students. They saw the purpose of the personal computer as a teaching aid. They started franchising in 1988. In 2003, they sold the business to The International Center for Entrepreneurial Development Inc. The same company owns Kwik Kopy Business Centers, Kwik Kopy Printing, Copy Club, Franklin’s Printing, Parcel Plus, American Wholesale Thermographers, and Women’s Health Boutique. They provide technology curriculum to elementary schools, summer camps and after school centers, childcare centers and preschools, and adult learners. They currently have 84 locations in 31 states and internationally in Kuwait, Australia, Ireland, Malaysia, and in the United Kingdom.
What programs do Computer Explorers offer?
They have preschool programs called ComputerTots. They work with operating digital cameras, computers, electronic microscopes, robots and even the iPad. They also have the Integrated Technology Resource Program which is designed for Kindergarten to eighth grade. In this program, they teach basic operations, writing HTML, and website design. The Professional Development Courses focuses on the use of blogs, wikis, and interactive white boards. They also have the Tech Stars which covers all the after school programs and summer camps.
Their courses are divided into six categories:
For Engineering, they have Basics to Building, Rocketeering, Introduction to 3D Visualization, and Go Green. For Robotics Courses, they have My First Look at Robotics, Programming with Bee-Bot, Robotics one and two with NXT, Intro to Robotics one and two, Rock & Roll Robots, and Razzle Dazzle Robotics. Programming Courses include Bee-Bot & the Computer, MicroWorlds, Jr. & Logo Programming, Programming with Pro-Bot – Beginning & Intermediate, Video Game Animation one and two, Video Game Design, 3-D Video Worlds, SketchUp: Explorers in 3-D, and Programming with REALbasic. For Digital and Graphic Arts Courses, they have Digital Moviemaking & Storytelling, Intro to Digital Photography, Clay Animation one and two, Digital Moviemaking, Digital Photography & Adobe Basics, Comic Book Writers Workshop, Podcasting Pizzazz, and Dance eJay. They also offer Office Skills Courses that have TechTots Technology, Kindergarten Advantage, Dream Vacation, It’s Your Business, and School Pride. For Thinking and Academic Skills Courses, they have Around the World (Spanish, French and Japanese), Under the Microscope, The Microscopic World, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Beginning & Intermediate, Up Close Science, It’s a Small World, Science Investigators, and Wik-tastic Wiki’s.
Costs and Requirements Associated with Running a Computer Explorer Franchise:
You will need to have a total liquid asset of at least $25,000. Expect to be investing about $62,000 to $73,250. Computer Explorers franchise fee is $35,000 with an on-going royalty fee of 8%. This is for a renewable 15 year term agreement. This franchise can be run from home. You will need six employees to run one location. They do not allow absentee ownership but they allow multi-unit ownership. They can finance more than 50% of your initial investment.
What’s included in the franchise package?
There will be 10 days training at the Computer Explorers headquarters and two days at your location. You will be receiving newsletters, attend meetings, and a toll free phone number. You will be given access to the internet. For marketing, there will be regional marketing, national media, and direct-mail campaign.
Computer Explorer’s Contact Details:
Address: 12715 Telge Rd. Cypress, Texas 77429
Phone: (888)638-8722 or (281)256-4100