A large and growing computer-coding franchise is about to open its first location in northwest Ohio.

Code Ninjas offers courses for children to learn how to code software while building a video game. Students receive color-coded wristbands along the way, similar to achieving belts in karate, and finish the course by creating their own game to upload to their favorite app store.

Anthony Wayne High School graduate Mike Betz owns the Sylvania franchise, which is nearing completion at 4024 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd.

"When my boys were born, we built things with LEGOs and put stuff together," Mr. Betz said. "I had a computer long ago and got into programming. I always found a way to make things interesting for kids to make them learn. I stumbled upon Code Ninjas and thought this is exactly what I'm looking for."

Mr. Betz learned how to code on the Apple II computer following his service in the Army in 1992. He has worked as a professional developer and software engineer for over 20 years.

Opening a new business during the coronavirus pandemic created challenges. Mr. Betz originally planned to open in May, but delays in construction and his general contractor catching the virus pushed back the grand opening.

Mr. Betz is aiming to open Jan. 16, and virtual and in-person learning will be available. The 2,300-square-foot facility allows for physical distancing and commonly touched surfaces will be sanitized often.

"When the kids enroll in the Create program for ages 7-14, they come in two days a week for an hour to work on curriculum and work their way up through the belts," he said. "It definitely helps critical thinking and analysis. As they work through it, they see how different parts interact, and think beyond what's in front of them."

Ahmad Javaid, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Toledo, said it’s important to teach coding at a young age. 

"This is where the future is,” Mr. Javaid said. “No matter what area or application you think about, there is a lot going on with the internet and there's an app for that. If you want to learn piano, you can do that on an iPad app. It's important for kids to be up to date and be competent.”

Mr. Javaid said career opportunities are vast in the coding and information technology world. In his five years as a professor at UT, he said, every graduating student with programming skills has found a job.

“Many students got jobs with Google, Amazon, and Microsoft,” he said. “The job market is looking for talent like this.”

Code Ninjas also has camps available where kids can work hands-on with robotics and complete other STEM projects.

Code senseis, mostly high school and college students, serve as instructors inside the "ninja-only dojo." Many of them have experience in Scouts or other youth programs.

"It's a collaborative environment," Mr. Betz said. "They're encouraged to work with each other to figure things out together, but there's always a code sensei to help."

A 25-percent sign-up discount offers a 12-month program for $147 for those who enroll before the shop’s opening. For enrollment information, visit codeninjas.com and search for the Sylvania location.

First Published December 22, 2020, 11:24 p.m.