For the past decade, Zaniac Asheville has been proving that learning is at its best when it’s hands-on, exciting and filled with discovery. Co-owned by Biltmore Park residents Lynne Porter, Dana Harris, Sandra Bilbray and Reed Bilbray, the STEM enrichment center has become a place where thousands of Western North Carolina children have discovered a love of science, technology, engineering, art and math while building confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills.

Conveniently located in Biltmore Park Town Square, Zaniac offers after-school enrichment through Edison Club, STEM courses, a flexible STEM Club, tutoring, birthday parties, Parents’ Night Out events, school break camps and popular summer camps for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

What began as a vision to make STEM education engaging and accessible has grown into an extraordinary community impact. Over the past 10 years, more than 7,000 students have participated in a Zaniac class or camp, with nearly 3,000 receiving scholarships, financial assistance or other program support. Through more than 600 outreach events at schools, libraries and community festivals, Zaniac has also brought STEM experiences to more than 20,000 children across Western North Carolina.

Behind every experiment, coding challenge and robot build is a team passionate about inspiring the next generation. The heart of Zaniac is its dedicated campus team, including Lynne Porter, Denise Waycaster, Christi Whitworth and an incredible team of high school and college instructors who serve as mentors as much as teachers. Over the past decade, more than 100 young instructors have developed leadership skills while encouraging students to ask questions, think creatively and embrace challenges. Together, they have delivered more than 500 hands-on STEM programs designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Fun fact: Two former Zaniac instructors even met while teaching and are now married!

Like many local businesses, Zaniac has weathered significant challenges, adapting through the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting families with remote learning and reopening quickly after Hurricane Helene to provide children with a sense of routine and normalcy. Through every challenge, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to serving local families and creating a place where kids feel excited to learn.

Zaniac is more than a learning center; it’s a community where students, families and instructors celebrate milestones, encourage one another and grow together. As the team celebrates 10 years in business, they remain grateful to every family who has been part of the journey and look forward to inspiring many more young innovators in the years ahead.