By Navin Gurnaney, Code Ninjas

The needs of today’s families are changing, and the role of supplemental education is evolving in response.

As technology advances and the future of work becomes less predictable, parents are seeking more than after-school enrichment. They want learning experiences that are engaging, skill-building, and designed to help their children grow into confident, capable individuals. This shift is reshaping how the children’s services industry operates, and it is creating new expectations around how we support the next generation.

A Shift in What Families Expect

Parents are becoming more selective about how their children spend time outside of school. With students in the classroom for fewer than seven hours a day, families are looking for ways to extend learning through meaningful educational experiences. The focus is shifting toward programs that build long-term skills like critical thinking, creativity, and confidence.

Families increasingly value experiences that feel relevant to real life. They want their children to connect what they are learning to how the world works and to see progress through outcomes they can understand and feel proud of.

Learning Through Doing

Hands-on, experiential learning is gaining momentum across the industry. According to a study by the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University, students retain more information and stay more motivated when they are actively involved in solving problems, working on projects, or creating something from scratch.

At Code Ninjas, students learn to code by building video games, experimenting with robotics, and working through real-world challenges. This approach encourages independence, persistence, and collaboration. It also gives kids a chance to see how effort leads to achievement, which builds both skill and self-belief.

Technology with Purpose

Technology is now a constant in children’s lives. About 90 percent of children use digital learning materials or devices outside of school, according to a recent study by Deloitte, and a study by Samsung Solve for Tomorrow shows that 88 percent of parents believe knowledge of AI will be crucial in their children’s future education or career. However, using technology is not the same as understanding it or using it meaningfully.

Families are seeking programs that help their kids become active creators with technology rather than passive consumers. Coding, in particular, offers a way to build digital fluency while strengthening logic, creativity, and problem-solving. These are foundational skills that will serve kids well in many areas of life.

Preparing for the Future

AI isn’t going anywhere — it’s reshaping the workplace and creating a new reality for the next generation. The jobless rate for recent graduates is currently at 5.8 percent — it’s highest since 2021 — while internship postings have fallen by 11 percent from last year according to the New York Federal Reserve. Some projections suggest that up to half of all entry-level white-collar jobs may be automated soon.

Equipping children with AI skills today prepares them to collaborate alongside technology instead of competing against it. This expertise is quickly becoming a key consideration for employers, with 80 percent of hiring managers stating they prefer candidates who are comfortable and proficient in using AI as a tool in their work.

Looking Ahead

The global children’s education market is projected to surpass $500 billion in the coming years, according to Business Research Insights. This growth reflects a rising demand for learning that is engaging, practical, and empowering. As we look ahead, one thing is clear: the future of the children’s industry belongs to those who see it not just as a market, but as a mission.

Navin Gurnaney is the CEO of Code Ninjas. For more information about IFA franchisor member Code Ninjas, please visit franchise.org/franchise-opportunities/code-ninjas-llc/.