In addition to the fun factor, C3, Loudoun's first computer-based learning center, stresses the importance of learning, building character development and having fun all at the same time.
Where did the idea come from? Why give up your life in California—as C3 Director David Le did—to open a bold, new market in one of the most competitive counties in America?
“It was a big gamble [opening C3], but a researched, calculated decision nonetheless. I understand that parents have negative feelings toward video games. But that is why we’re different. The games are treated as a reward for good work, not as a distraction.” Le says.
The gamble paid off, as is evident by C3’s growth during the nation’s recent economic collapse.
“I had been wanting to move from California for a while, and I figured I’d try opening a business in Loudoun,” Le says. “I researched popular markets and then it just clicked: the video game industry has flourished in the past few decades, so why not try to capitalize off that? But instead of [opening an arcade], I wanted to try and make a difference. So we came up with a way to simplify the curriculum of certain technology courses, and make them accessible for children.”
Opened in 2001, C3 promote itself as a progressive technology center focused on working with Loudoun K-12 groups looking to enhance their overall computer and technical skills.
When opening a business, Le says, it’s important to find a new idea, an untapped market. It took a few years for C3 to catch on, but word of mouth spread once it began developing popularity. Le’s business began to grow.
“Actually,” Le timidly admits, “we doubled our profits last year. Parents understand that we offer a variety of services. What we’ve found is if one of our areas isn’t producing a lot of business, we still have several others to market.”
Although Le may have sharp entrepreneurial instincts, he says his first duty is to the kids’ safety, which includes hiring a friendly, reliable staff. After receiving a clean background check, everyone working at C3 has to demonstrate that they can work well with children, Le says.
“Are you kidding, I love it here,” says C3 employee Sean Schleifer. “Where else am I going to teach kids useful knowledge about technology one minute and then go play video games and air hockey the next?”
“That’s what we aim to do here, create an environment that is not only fun for kids, but safe as well,” says Le. “We want to give children a lot of choices when they walk through the doors. Hopefully when they come for the first time with their parents, they will instantly see how fun it can be.”
While kids come to enjoy the bright lights and loud noise accompanied by video games, it’s only after they’ve completed their homework that they get to blow off steam.
“It really is important to emphasize that we are a learning facility,” Le says. “While we want C3 to be fun, we always want parents to be reassured that their kids are learning here.”
C3 offers afterschool supervised homework help, which includes a weekly homework report sent to parents, and once C3 staff agrees that a child has finished his or her work, the child is free to play. Dozens of other classes are offered as well, everything from clay sculpting to film creation.
In addition to afterschool programs, parents looking to have a few hours to themselves on the weekends can drop off their middle school aged children on Fridays for three hours of video game competition, and every Saturday for a teen dance party.
“Our weekend events are a perfect time for parents to go enjoy themselves for a couple of hours, while having the security of knowing that their child is safe,” Le says. “We learned that pretty quick: have events on the weekends, and parents will encourage their kids will come.”
In mid-February, Le hopes to use C3 as a vehicle for cause. “We’re currently planning a charity event to aid the victims in Haiti,” Le says. “We’d like to put on a dance for children of all ages, invite local middle and high school bands to play here, and host video game competitions, all for $10 a person.”
All proceeds from the event, which Le says will take place on Feb. 12-13, will be donated to the Red Cross.
“My goal is to reach $1,000. If we get more, then that is great. Honestly, anything people can do to help is really honorable. And if my business can act as an outlet for people to donate, then I consider that my duty.”
C3 Cyber Club is located at 44710 Cape Ct. in Ashburn. For more information about programs and events offered go to www.c3cyberclub.com .
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