HIGH POINT, N.C. - eTradeWire -- STEM For Kids® and Operation Xcel are proud to announce the successful results of a joint STEM education pilot that has significantly boosted student confidence, curiosity, and real-world problem-solving skills. By integrating the STEM For Kids Root Protocol™ curriculum into Operation Xcel's established enrichment programs, the partnership has demonstrated a powerful model for delivering high-impact, hands-on learning.

The pilot featured interactive challenges, including a popular biomedical engineering project where students built prosthetic hands. The curriculum's focus on "real-world" connections sparked immediate enthusiasm, with students mastering new vocabulary and complex concepts through active exploration rather than traditional rote memorization.

"Bringing hands-on STEM learning into the classroom had a very positive impact on our students," said Desiree King, Program Director at Operation Xcel. "We saw their confidence grow as they realized they were capable of solving problems. There were many special "aha" moments when a child suddenly understood why something worked, and you could see the excitement on their face."

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For Operation Xcel, the feasibility of the STEM For Kids curriculum was a standout feature. The "ready-to-go" nature of the lessons allowed instructors to deliver high-quality content with minimal preparation time."...lessons were easy to connect to our overall learning goals and fit naturally alongside what we were already teaching," said King.

"Experiences like these helped our students become more comfortable asking questions, experimenting, and exploring new ideas. STEM gave us the opportunity to teach beyond the ABCs," King added. "I would absolutely encourage other centers to consider adding this STEM curriculum; it makes learning exciting for both students and families."

The success of this collaboration arrives as Operation Xcel celebrates a major milestone. The organization will host its 18th Anniversary Xcellence Gala on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at The Blue Heron in High Point, NC, celebrating nearly two decades of educational impact.

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About STEM For Kids: STEM For Kids®  provides turn-key curricula for educators to deliver high-quality STEM programs. They offer 48+ themes in engineering, coding, and business, aligned with Educational NGSS and CSTA standards, and ERS for childcare / daycare / OST settings. With a 15-year legacy and alumni reaching institutions like Cornell and Johns Hopkins, STEM For Kids is dedicated to nurturing curiosity and building foundational engineering and life skills in children ages 4-14.

• Website: https://stemforkids.net
• Get Started: https://rp.stemforkids.net/start
• Email: sales@stemforkids.net

About Operation Xcel: Operation Xcel provides academic enrichment, health, and social skills development to K-12 students. For 18 years, the organization has been dedicated to providing under-resourced youth with the tools and support needed to excel in school and life.

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Media Contact:

Desiree King Program Director, Operation Xcel Cell: 336-265-6442 Fax: 866-877-6482 www.operationxcel.org