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Building BRIGHT FUTURES One JUNIOR BY KERRY L. PINTO D ori Roberts had a vision. The Stafford County resident and then Colonial Forge High School teacher wanted to expand her enthusiasm for math and technology by starting an engineering program for children. The idea took off, and Engineering For Kids was created in 2009. What started off as a camp in the Courthouse Community Center classroom in Stafford has now expanded to over 60 franchises in 20 states and four countries. Engineering For Kids offers camps, classes, clubs, and parties for kids ages 4-14 as a fun way to unite science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts. Roberts shares about balancing her entrepreneurial spirit and motherhood. 12 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2013 ENGINEER at a Time FP: Tell us a little about your family. DR: I am married to local attorney, Chuck Roberts, with two children — Kaley, 12, and Matthew, 10. FP: What made you decide to start an engineering program for kids? DR: While I was teaching Engineering at Colonial Forge High School, I was also the advisor of the school's Technology Student Association. I was able to take this club to four state championships. In 2008, I took the team to the National Competition in Orlando, Fla. I decided to take my children with me on the trip. I observed Kaley and Matthew's excitement in what the high school students were doing. They wanted to compete, too! They were in awe with all the animatronics devices, dragsters and architecture models. When we returned to Stafford from the event, I began looking for engineering programs for them. When I saw that there were no programs offered, I decided to start Engineering For Kids.