Cypress Creek Renewables and Betabox Bring Hands-On STEM to E.B. Frink Middle School
Cypress Creek Renewables and Betabox Bring Hands-On STEM to E.B. Frink Middle School
State Senator Robert “Bob” Brinson Joins Students for On-Site Learning
La Grange, N.C. — September 30 , 2025 — Cypress Creek Renewables, in partnership with Betabox Learning, delivered an immersive, on-site STEM experience to students at E.B. Frink Middle School in Lenoir County on Tuesday, September 9. The mobile learning program transformed the bus parking lot into a pop-up innovation lab where students explored circuits, coding, and energy career pathways. State Senator Robert (“Bob”) Brinson visited to observe and encourage students as they worked through hands-on challenges.
Over 100 students had the opportunity to construct small electrical circuits—powered by solar energy—to light an LED. Several students took the challenge even further by exploring series and parallel circuits to light multiple LEDs.
North Carolina’s energy landscape is growing rapidly—from grid modernization and renewable integration, to advanced manufacturing, data centers, and transportation electrification. Employers across the state consistently report difficulty filling electrical engineering roles and related technician positions. As utilities and private developers deploy new infrastructure, the need for problem-solvers who understand power systems, electronics, and controls continues to rise.
Programs like Betabox’s experience help build that talent pipeline early by connecting classroom concepts to real tools and real careers. By pairing hands-on learning with industry partners, students can see clear pathways—from Career and Technical Education courses and apprenticeships to two-year technician credentials or four-year engineering degrees at North Carolina’s colleges and universities—into well-paid, high-impact jobs that serve local communities.
“This partnership turns curiosity into career pathways,” said Greg Gebhardt, Director of Government Affairs at Cypress Creek Renewables. “Eastern North Carolina is home to incredible talent and unmatched work ethic. By teaming up with Betabox and Frink Middle School, we’re helping students see themselves in tomorrow’s energy jobs—designing, building, and maintaining the reliable power our communities depend on.”
“Public-private partnerships like this are how we grow North Carolina’s future workforce,” said State Senator Robert (Bob) Brinson. “Seeing these students light up as they solve real problems reminds us why STEM matters—not just in the classroom, but for the long-term economic health of Lenoir County and our state.”
“Our students thrive when learning is connected to real-world skills,” said Michael Moon, Ed.D., Principal of E.B. Frink Middle School. “Betabox’s hands-on approach, paired with industry partners like Cypress Creek Renewables, makes STEM relevant, exciting, and accessible. We’re grateful for the investment in our students and community.”
“Betabox brings the field trip to the school,” said Sean Maroni, CEO of Betabox. “In a single day, students move from curiosity to confidence— wiring circuits, exploring code, and iterating on prototypes. Partnering with Cypress Creek Renewables helps us connect those skills to meaningful energy careers across the Carolinas.”
The program at E.B. Frink Middle School is part of a broader effort by Cypress Creek Renewables and Betabox Learning to expand equitable access to high-impact STEM experiences for students across North and South Carolina.
About Cypress Creek Renewables
Cypress Creek Renewables is a leading renewables developer and independent power producer. It develops, finances, owns and operates utility-scale and distributed solar and energy storage projects across the United States with a mission to power a sustainable future, one project at a time. For more information, please visit ccrenew.com
About Betabox
Betabox Learning is a leading provider of mobile STEM labs that inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. The company’s mobile labs bring cutting-edge technology and interactive learning experiences to students across the United States.
About E.B. Frink Middle School
E.B. Frink Middle School serves students in Lenoir County Public Schools, providing rigorous academics and opportunities that prepare students to thrive in high school, college, and careers.
