Meet Andy Barrett, 13, who turned school 3D printer into a small business
An eighth-grade student in Ohio utilized his school's 3D printer to launch a micro-business creating custom fidget toys. He donated all profits from the venture to support epilepsy awareness and research.
Why it matters
This highlights the potential for educational technology to foster entrepreneurship and social responsibility in young students.
Most 13-year-olds walk into middle school tech lab thinking about passing their next assignment or making something cool to toss into their backpack. Andy Barrett, an eighth-grader at Granville Middle School in Ohio, saw something entirely different when he looked at his school's 3D printer. He saw an opportunity to build a business that could actually help people. Armed with basic design software, brightly colored plastic filament, and a personal drive to make a difference, Andy launched a micro-business right from his classroom. He designed, printed, and sold roughly 150 custom fidget toys to fellow students, teachers, and neighbours.
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