FAQs
BrainStorm59 FAQs
During our 20+ years in in creative and digital technologies, we have seen quite a few changes. We understand the entire pipeline from brainstorming ideas to the final delivery of products. To help students understand the impact they have with their individual ideas, we offer hands-on training labs to reinforce what students in traditional classrooms, and can transform, grow and move forward with their new skills.
Sessions and Labs are offered for Grades 1 to 12. We offer Creative Labs only for Grades 1 through 5, and both Technology and Creative Labs for Grades 6 through 12. Please check our Sessions page for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not see your question below, reach out and we will respond right away.
We offer a variety of options for students to explore and learn. Technology classes are usually suited for students who enjoy working with computers (coding and design) and would like to learn more about emerging technologies and those tools available. Students may also enjoy learning video game design or video production and trying new tools to create their products. We teach introduction to Python programming during the game labs.
Our Creative Design classes are tailored for anyone who is interested in using their creative juices to design products and digital elements they can enjoy for themselves, give as gifts, or even sell online (Wearable Art, T-Shirt Designs, Displayable Art, etc.). We encourage students to choose which labs they want to engage, and to try a few different sessions to see which ones they like best.
It is important to us that each student learns the concepts, practices and instruction, in small, bite-sized chunks for better retention. So we offer 3-week courses during each session to reinforce concepts learned in school, so it is easier to apply and more importantly, remember. Students may attend as many sessions as possible throughout the year and we encourage them to do so, for a full understanding of each skill.
Learning Labs include all software and computers (for Technology Labs), and creative materials (for Wearable & Displayable Art Labs) utilized during each session. Since our software licenses cannot be transferred, we ask that students utilize the lab’s computers for in-lab training. However, if students want to use these tools at home, we will provide a complete list of tools we utilize, and we encourage them to do so.
We need each student’s undivided attention during our interactive learning labs. The goals for each session are explained on the first day, and we will provide feedback along the way, and discuss any challenges. Students are encouraged to participate and ask a lot of questions. We want each session to be a fun, rewarding experience and will do everything we can to help make learning these new concepts exciting, while reinforcing STEM, ELA, and Creative art.
We have a small learning labs so students get the individual attention they need. Most classes will be limited to about 10 students, so make sure to apply early to secure a spot.
Learning Labs are offered in 75-minute blocks, either one or two-days each week, for grades 5 through 12, as shown on the Session page. We also offer one 90-minute lab for Grades 1-4 each week. We require a $150 deposit for each session to hold a spot. However, $100 of this deposit will be applied towards the Session. We feel our cost is very reasonable based upon market rates, and the quality and amount of information students learn. Please look at current schedules on our Sessions page and course details on the Technology and Creative Design pages. Enrollment costs are determined by the number of days each week, and the session offered.
Students interested in enrolling in one or more Sessions, please fill out our application form, which is provided at the beginning of each school year. [Please provide us your interests, so we can plan Learning Labs accordingly]. We will contact you if the requested lab time is not available, or did not meet the required minimum number of students, and to discuss alternative labs. However, we will do our best to schedule students at the day and time(s) requested. All applications must be sent at least one-week prior to session start dates. We will send deadline reminders via the email we have on file for you.
The most important rules are: 1) Be on time. 2) If you need to miss, please email us and let us know. 3) No fighting, weapons, alcohol or drugs are permitted on the premises at any time. Students who violate this rule will be dismissed from the program immediately. This way, our program promotes a fun and safe learning environment for all of our students.
We have successfully completed the processes we teach many times and are confident in our abilities to help students grow, learn, and move into the future with their new skills. Lab tools and details are available for enrolled students so they can further their training at home. The programs offer hands-on learning in STEM, ELA, and Design concepts, so students can learn how to use and apply them.
Our hands-on Technical and Creative Learning Labs include Adobe Products, Figma, Gimp, Khan Academy, Google Classroom, Pixar Labs, and a variety of AI tools and SaaS (Software as a Service) products, so students can understand the strengths and differences of each tool. During our hands-on creative Wearable and Displayable Art Labs, we utilize a variety of materials and tools, including polymer clay, acrylic paints, mica powders, pastels, paper transfer, clay cutters, and more! Each student chooses their tools based upon enrolled sessions and what they are creating. We encourage creativity and individuality!
Brainstorm59 provides all computers and materials needed for each session. No snacks are needed, since we do not allow food and beverages in the learning labs. We encourage Students to eat a healthy snack prior to arrival. Water and Lemonade will be available in the breakroom, between Labs.
Brainstorm59 operates solely on student enrollment, and we have very small classes so we can provide hands-on learning labs to give individual attention to each student. If a student enrolls in a class that is scheduled to meet, he/she is taking the place of another student who did not secure a spot. Therefore we are not able to provide refunds if a Learning Lab is scheduled to meet and the student chooses to not attend some of the labs.
If a student misses a class due to illness or a death in the family, we will do our best to catch up the student in the next class. Absences are considered on a case-by-case basis and a doctor’s note is required for assistance with make-up work. Since each class builds upon the previous one, it is important that students attend each lab so they are able to enjoy the full benefits of each Learning Lab.
Please send us an email message at support@brainstorm59.com and we will reach out as soon as possible! If you want to schedule an in-person meeting, please email to set-up a convenient time. We apologize for not being able to meet right before, during or immediately after classes, since we have a tight schedule of back-to-back classes from 3 pm to 7 pm.
AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a technology that is predicted to transform the way we learn, live and work in the years ahead. It is a tool, like our televisions, laptops and cell phones. However, AI has more advanced capabilities than a typical computer system, but is just that, a computerized system. Today’s generation needs to understand how to ethically use AI as a tool, and not as a crutch or replacement for learning. That is one reason why we decided to offer AI technology classes – so our students would be ready for the transition.
Wearable Art is just a term for original art made by hand that is worn on the body, like earrings, bracelets, pendants, hair clips, T-Shirt designs, fabric designs, clothing buttons, etc. The student’s unique, one-of-a-kind design is why it is called “art.”
Social Media Marketing is simply online (digital) advertising and marketing to promote a product or service on one of the major social media platforms, like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Pintrest, YouTube, etc. This fairly new media has only been available for about the past 20 years with the introduction of the internet. Live streaming, influencers and social media can reach millions (or billions) of people, as opposed to traditional media, like newspaper, magazines, or local radio, which only reach a limited audience (or market). See the below information titled “What is an Influencer?“
When your product or service is published to one of these social platforms, you have the potential to expand your reach, outside of local markets. When your content (ad, text, or other component) is shared by friends in the social media community, you may increase your product sales, or awareness of your services, ideas, or opinions. It is a cost-effective way to reach a larger market and usually for a fraction of the cost of traditional media.
Social Media and other digital media have opened up the doors for small, independent podcasters, bloggers, and product testers to compete with famous people who traditionally are the driving forces behind product buying, promotions or concepts, that influence our thoughts. These independent influencers, most of whom were relatively unknown, now have the power to drive product sales, push social and economic ideas, influence our buying habits, inform us, or just entertain. Their audiences are comprised of large groups of people who “follow” or subscribe to their social channel or social media posts. Their followers are basically a faithful audience who listens, looks, and trusts what the influencer is telling them. An influencer can also be entertaining, like in the case of influencers who perform outlandish stunts, comedy skits or introduce new music.
One of the most successful YouTube influencers to date is MR. BEAST, who has more subscribers (423 Million) than most all network or cable media. He has amassed millions of dollars by creating YouTube videos of himself and his friends doing crazy stunts, and giving away money, products, houses and cars to people who appear in his videos.
On Instagram, the most popular accounts (millions and even billions of followers) belong to Cristiano Ronaldo – 1.02 Billion followers (with a “B”). Selena Gomez – 683.9 million followers. and Lionel Messi – 623 million IG followers. as of Jul 8, 2025.
Other popular YouTube podcasters include Lex Friedman (4.8M subscribers), a technology professor at Stanford, who uses his social media podcast with a variety of guests for educating about current trends. Dr. Andrew Huberman (7M subscribers), an ophthalmologist and neurologist who invites guests to discuss advanced health-related topics and what we can do to optimize our health and our lives.
Another famous influencer on social media platforms (YouTube and Patreon) is Shawn Ryan. Shawn has almost 5-million subscribers. He is a retired military veteran, who interviews a variety of famous and previously unknown guests, who have either served in the military, or other branches of government, exposing the atrocities of war, the affects that war has on veterans, and the fraud, waste and abuse of military machines in the U.S. and around the world.
Ryan Hall, a retired meteorologist, has more than 2 million subscribers for his weather updates and predictions. He also broadcasts live on YouTube for many, many hours during major storms or natural events, to help keep people safe.
In other words, anyone with something of interest to say can become an influencer — doctors, lawyers, comedians, beauty and health consultants, tech gurus, moms and dads, entertainers, sports celebrities, news reporters, artists, musicians, children and families, utilize social media to promote their image, products, services and ideas, and some just for entertainment, to their faithful audiences.
Ready for a Transformative Future?
Learn advanced digital concepts and creative design techniques.