Franchise Owners Grow a Community-First STEM Program Serving Schools and Centers Across Ottawa
Owning a Wize Computing Academy franchise has become a meaningful way for Mala Parthasarathy and Lee Kachroo to give back to their community. “We’re not here to just make money,” says Kachroo. “We treat Wize Computing Academy like a service. If you’re not offering something valuable to the community, what’s the point?”
The husband-and-wife team launched their Ottawa after-school enrichment program in February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic shut everything down. Despite the rocky start, they’ve grown it into a go-to STEM provider, delivering engaging programs to schools and community centers throughout the city. Their community-first mindset has set them apart since the beginning.
For example, when they offered refunds for canceled classes at the start of the pandemic, something remarkable happened. “Every single parent said, ‘Keep the money. Just credit us when you start back up,’” Kachroo says. “That kind of support blew us away.”
Scaling Success
Wize Computing Academy offers project-based, student-centric STEM programs in coding, robotics, 3D printing, Minecraft, LEGO and more — all designed to make learning feel like play. “We jump into the kids’ sandbox,” Kachroo explains. “If they’re into Minecraft or Roblox, we meet them there and use that as a tool to teach computational thinking and problem-solving.”
In the beginning, both Parthasarathy and Kachroo were hands-on, teaching classes themselves and getting to know students personally. But as the business gained momentum, their roles naturally evolved to support its growth. Today, Parthasarathy serves as COO, overseeing day-to-day operations including staff, inventory, curriculum and training. “I’m on the ground with teachers and centers every day,” she says. “We’ve grown so much that we now plan programs almost a year in advance.”
Both Parthasarathy and Kachroo had long careers in banking and shared a passion for math and technology. Kachroo, a graduate of MIT, and Parthasarathy spent two decades doing charitable work in India after taking early retirement. When they returned to Canada, they were looking for a meaningful way to stay active, and Wize Computing Academy became that and much more.
They chose Wize Computing Academy over other franchise options because of the founders’ hands-on approach and strong values. “We liked that they had actually taught classes themselves,” says Kachroo. “They weren’t just sitting in an office. They understood the challenges on the ground, and that really mattered to us.”
Impact Through Learning
Positively impacting students has been the biggest reward for the couple. Parthasarathy recalls one sixth-grader who approached her after a robotics class and said, “I was so scared of coding and never wanted to do it. But it’s actually a lot of fun and not at all what I imagined.”
They keep their programs affordable and work closely with school principals to find students who need financial help and make sure those kids can join. “We don’t work with private schools on purpose because those schools already have a lot of resources. Our goal is to reach kids who might not have access to these learning opportunities otherwise,” says Lee.
Their team includes 10 core teachers, and another 10 college students who help out during summer camps. They’re also proud to be the only commercial organization in Canada accredited by HIGH FIVE, the country’s standard for quality in children’s programs.
Parthasarathy and Kachroo believe that Wize Computing Academy franchise ownership is about purpose, not just profit. “You have to care,” says Parthasarathy. “You have to be committed. This isn’t about quick wins. It’s about being a consistent, trusted presence for kids and families.”
Learn more about the Wize Computing Academy franchise.
