TechnicBox: Empowering STEM Education
TechnicBox is a group of dynamic high school students working tirelessly to transform the landscape of STEM education. This team of young men from Plano, Texas is on a mission to bring STEM to students across the world. Roshan, Aslam, Santosh, Abbad, Rayyan and Ezyan, are the driving force behind TechnicBox, an innovative project that seeks to make hands-on STEM learning accessible to children worldwide through educational, useful STEM boxes.
“At TechnicBox, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of underrepresented communities worldwide by harnessing the power of STEM education. Through our all-inclusive, educational project boxes, we provide hands-on projects that empower and uplift aspiring young minds, even in the face of limited opportunities. Our mission is to foster a brighter future, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can dream big and reach for the stars.”
The Team Behind the Vision
The team, composed of members from two different robotics teams, embarked on their ambitious project after an invitation from their IB director to apply for an IB grant in the Spring of 2023. Despite not securing the grant, the team remained undeterred, dedicating their entire summer to developing TechnicBox. In July, with the support of the Hack Club as their fiscal sponsor, TechnicBox officially became a nonprofit organization.
Each team member brings their unique skills and passion for STEM education to TechnicBox. From leadership, marketing, teaching, programming and STEM experience, the TechnicBox team is a diverse group of young men working together to share STEM with young people. Roshan leads the team with his desire to create a tangible impact in communities close to home and in India, while others were inspired to join out of their love for STEM and their passion for teaching and outreach. Each team member had an individual journey into the world of robotics and STEM, but they all share a belief in the transformative power of STEM education.
“We started this with the aim of starting hands-on STEM learning across the world. To give kids the opportunity to learn like we did.” - Aslam
Crafting TechnicBox: A Unique Approach to STEM Learning
TechnicBox's approach is distinct — creating educational kits that provide a hands-on experience for students. The team brainstormed and designed three different boxes: the biology box, the chemistry box, and the engineering box. Each box introduces STEM to elementary aged students through hands-on projects that are practical and useful, particularly in developing countries. As their first “proof of concept” project, they are starting with the Biology Box, where students will learn how to create their own water filtration system.
The Biology Box includes materials and instructions to build a water filter, accompanied by an informative pamphlet and resources for teachers. This design not only imparts practical skills but also educates students on the science behind the filter, encouraging them to scale up and use the knowledge to their advantage.
Leveraging the funds from their Let’s Choose Love Catalyst Grant, the TechnicBox team is able to launch their Biology Box in several Title 1 schools in the Plano area. The funds from Let’s Choose Love is allowing them to kickstart the production of the first batch of 100 boxes. The goal is to first send these kits to local schools as a proof of concept before expanding their reach to schools in India. The team aims to lower the cost per box over time, making the project more scalable and impactful. With materials for 500 boxes ready, they are well on their way to achieving their goals.
Having spent approximately 300-400 hours on the project, the team reflects on what makes them most proud. For Roshan, it's the realization that they can make a difference in each child's life. Aslam finds joy in knowing they can impact another student, creating a ripple effect in STEM education. Santosh appreciates the opportunity to share their experiences, connecting with other robotics teams and spreading the joys of STEM.
Partnerships and Future Plans
Let’s Choose Love founder, Wendy White, has been coaching the entire TechnicBox team for a few months, helping them create solid goals, timelines and future partnerships. Wendy introduced the team to Manisha Bharti, the CEO of Pratham USA, a client of Let’s Choose Love’s partner organization, Continuum Consulting. Pratham USA, is an NGO focused on education in India. In December, the TechnicBox team met with Manisha and her entire India based Science Team over Zoom. The TechnicBox team had the opportunity to share their dream and have a discussion with professionals whose job it is to bring science to developing communities throughout India. The meeting went so well that the Pratham Science team is ready to engage with the TechnicBox team to send 50 Biology Boxes to India as a test effort.
TechnicBox stands as a testament to the transformative power of STEM education. The team's dedication, creativity, and passion have created a unique initiative that has the potential to shape the future of STEM learning for countless children. As they navigate challenges, form partnerships, and scale up their project, TechnicBox embodies the spirit of innovation and the profound impact it can have on communities worldwide. Let’s Choose Love is proud to be a partner along their journey to success.
You can learn more about TechnicBox on their website: Technicboxofficial.org, on Instagram, and on YouTube
