Solar Company Teams with Betabox Learning to Address Growing Workforce Shortage in the Carolinas
WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Cypress Creek Renewables, a leading renewable energy developer, announced Tuesday the expansion of its educational partnership with Betabox Learning for the 2025-26 school year, extending STEM programming to more than 2,100 additional students across 8 to 10 counties in North and South Carolina.
The collaboration, which has already impacted over 4,000 students across both states, aims to inspire the next generation of solar industry professionals through hands-on learning experiences targeted at middle and high school students.
Addressing Critical Workforce Shortage
The expansion comes as the solar industry faces unprecedented growth and a critical need for skilled workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, solar photovoltaic installer jobs are projected to surge 51% from 2019 to 2029, significantly outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations.
“The solar industry is experiencing rapid growth in the Carolinas and faces a critical need for a skilled workforce to meet increasing demand,” the companies stated in their announcement.
The program specifically targets rural schools across the region, focusing on hands-on learning experiences designed to increase interest and awareness of engineering and technology careers, particularly in the solar sector.
Program Leadership Enthusiasm
Sean Newman Maroni, CEO of Betabox Learning, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s continuation. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Cypress Creek Renewables to deliver Betabox’s hands-on learning experiences to rural schools across the Carolinas,” he said. “Together, we’re opening doors for thousands of students to explore technology career opportunities they would not otherwise experience.”
Mike Storch, Manager of External Affairs for Cypress Creek and a program volunteer, highlighted the student engagement he has witnessed firsthand. “I have seen firsthand the excitement and joy that students have when interacting with the curriculum,” Storch said. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Betabox Learning and explore more ways to maximize learning experience for our Carolinian students.”
School Participation Details
The program is now available to schools in 11 North Carolina counties: Scotland, Person, Duplin, Robeson, Bladen, Wayne, Jones, Davidson, Lenoir, Warren, and Vance, as well as Marlboro County in South Carolina.
All middle and high schools within these counties are eligible to apply, with priority enrollment given to Title 1 schools. Schools in other counties within North and South Carolina may apply but will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on available resources.
Community leaders and stakeholders interested in observing the mobile unit in action can contact [email protected] to request viewing opportunities. More information about the program and school visit schedules is available at https://ccrenew.com/news/cypress-creek-renewables-expands-betabox-learning-partnership/.
About the Organizations
Betabox Learning has been delivering evidence-based, hands-on learning experiences since 2015, reaching over 500,000 students across the Southeast through various programs including onsite field trips and digital platforms. The organization focuses on making technology education accessible to rural and underrepresented communities.
Cypress Creek Renewables operates as a leading renewable energy developer and independent power producer, having commercialized 12 GW of solar projects since inception. The company currently owns more than 2.5 GW of solar capacity and maintains an almost 16 GW solar and storage pipeline. Through its Cypress Creek Solutions division, the company operates and maintains more than 4.5 GW of solar projects across 24 states.
