Spirit Box for CTE Programs
Spirit Box turns students into business owners—teaching them to manage real inventory, track data, market products, and work as a team.
Hands-on learning. Real-world business. Career-connected results.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for life after graduation by teaching career-ready skills through real experiences—and Spirit Box aligns perfectly with these goals and qualifies for Carl D. Perkins (Perkins V) funding.
Spirit Box delivers a student-run school store vending machine that turns business education into daily, project-based learning. Whether you're a teacher, CTE coordinator, or student, Spirit Box makes it easy to launch a school-based enterprise that's modern, sustainable, and built for student success.
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"Biggest perk? It provides the majority of funding for my program and DECA Chapter!"
Elisa Shoemaker, Clinton High School
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"A new way to get kids excited about learning"
Kimberly Pennycuff, Pickerington High School
Students gain experience in:
Spirit Box helps students build key skills across multiple CTE pathways—including Marketing, Business Management, Finance, Hospitality, and Entrepreneurship—while meeting federal requirements for hands-on, work-based learning.
Entrepreneurship
Launch and run a student-led business from the ground up.
Financial Literacy & Management
Set prices, track revenue, calculate profits, and make informed financial decisions.
Leadership
Assign roles, manage schedules, and make collaborative decisions.
Customer Service & Operations
Restock products, manage displays, and handle student feedback.
Marketing & Promotion
Create flyers, campaigns, and social media strategies to promote the store.
transform your classroom
Retired business teacher and Spirit Box advisor Pat Hinkle shares how she integrated the Spirit Box curriculum into her classroom—turning lessons into real-world experiences that empowered her students and fueled their success.
From real-world learning to leadership growth, hear why she calls Spirit Box “the best thing we ever did.”
Spirit Box is built to support state and federal CTE standards
and it qualifies for Carl D. Perkins (Perkins V) funding!
the Results speak for themselves
In just 6-8 weeks, you can have a school store vending machine up and running. Spirit Box provides an out-of-the-box business your school can plug into on day one without the risks and pains of a startup.
SNACK BOX
New York
Tappan Zee High School
SALES $43,389
2024-25
SPIRIT BOX
Indiana
Park Tudor High School
SALES $43,021
2024-25
BEVERAGE BOX
New Mexico
Rio Rancho High School
SALES $42,678
2024-25
FUND YOUR PROGRAM
A small investment with huge potential returns.
Need help with funding proposals? We’ve got templates, talking points, and case studies you can use.
Spirit Box is eligible for Carl D. Perkins (Perkins V) funding and many state-level CTE grants.
Schools can use CTE funds to cover:
Equipment (the vending machine itself)
Inventory and resupply
Entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs
Work-based learning enhancements
Curriculum materials and student certification support
Why It Works for CTE Coordinators
Turnkey and low lift to implement
integrates into multiple course pathways
Student-led with real leadership opportunities
ALIGNS WITH CTE STANDARDS
CTE & Spirit Box: Frequently Asked Questions
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Spirit Box functions as a real school-based enterprise where students run an actual business on campus. It supports entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and business management pathways—aligning directly with state and federal CTE standards for hands-on, work-based learning.
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Yes! Spirit Box qualifies under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) as an approved expense for entrepreneurship education, work-based learning, and equipment purchases. Many schools also use Title I, PBIS, or local workforce development funds to support their program.
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Spirit Box aligns with common CTE frameworks such as:
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management
Marketing, Finance, and Business Administration
Customer Service & Leadership Skills
Career Readiness and Employability Skills
Students gain real experience managing inventory, pricing, promotions, and profits—all while building teamwork and communication skills.
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Spirit Box works across multiple areas:
Business & Marketing Education
Finance and Accounting
Entrepreneurship & DECA/BPA Chapters
Work-Based Learning & Internship Programs
Student Leadership or SGA Projects
It’s flexible enough to fit any CTE curriculum or after-school initiative.
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Pricing starts at $14,925, but every Spirit Box includes:
A fully branded, cashless vending machine
Sales tracking and inventory dashboard
Curriculum tie-ins and advisor support materials
Shipping and setup support
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Students take on roles similar to a real business team—finance, marketing, operations, and management. They track data through the dashboard, design promotional materials, manage restocks, and report results to their advisor. The advisor serves as the business mentor, not the manager.