Betabox

Betabox operates as an educational technology company focused on providing hands-on STEM and workforce skills development for K-12 students. Founded in 2015 by Sean Newman Maroni, the Raleigh-based company aims to make engaging, high-impact lessons accessible to all students, particularly those in under-resourced communities. The inspiration for Betabox came after a mid-college internship at NASA, which highlighted for Maroni the importance of a strong support system for pursuing STEM fields. This experience motivated him to create a way to deliver these opportunities directly to students.

The company's business model centers on partnering with school districts, as well as corporate and philanthropic organizations, to fund and implement their programs. Betabox works with districts to design custom implementation plans and collaborates with funding partners to ensure these plans are fully funded. A primary offering is the "Onsite Field Trip," where a mobile tech lab, often housed in a converted shipping container, is brought to a school's parking lot. These labs provide students with direct experience in technologies like robotics, 3D printing, drones, and autonomous vehicles. The goal is to spark student interest and awareness in future-proof, technology-enabled careers.

Recognizing that a one-time experience wasn't enough for sustained learning, Betabox expanded its services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company now provides a broader ecosystem of STEM solutions. This includes "Betabox Projects," a service where schools can check out all-in-one project kits on demand instead of purchasing equipment that might go unused. These self-contained kits come with materials, tools, a computing device, and a 15-hour curriculum of student-facing videos and challenges that require limited teacher guidance. To further support educators, particularly new STEM teachers, Betabox provides ready-to-use resources to help build confidence and improve student engagement from day one.

Keywords: EdTech, STEM education, K-12 learning, hands-on learning, mobile tech labs, project-based learning, career discovery, teacher support, STEM kits, educational technology, workforce development, 3D printing education, robotics for students, drone education, onsite field trips, STEM curriculum, student engagement, experiential learning, educational resources, Sean Newman Maroni