Champlain and BETA Technologies Partner on Experiential Learning Projects

Champlain College and BETA Technologies, Inc. (BETA) (NYSE: BETA), an electric aerospace company based in Vermont, have announced a multi-year partnership that connects students with real-world projects at BETA. The collaboration gives students the opportunity to do meaningful work while gaining practical experience and supporting BETA initiatives — and it’s built to last.

As part of the partnership, an inaugural cohort of third- and fourth-year students enrolled in the College’s Software Development Methodologies course are working directly with teams at BETA as part of their academic coursework. The course is led by computer science professor Dr. Brian Hall and is designed to immerse students in applied, team-based projects that reflect professional industry practices. Under Dr. Hall’s supervision and in collaboration with BETA advisors, students are contributing to non-critical path initiatives that support internal operations and enhance company-wide knowledge sharing.

“Experiential learning is central to Champlain’s academic model, and starting from Day One, our students are engaged and making real-world impact at some of Vermont’s largest innovators,” said Alex Hernandez, president of Champlain College. “Through partnerships like our collaboration with BETA, students don’t just study innovation — they live it. They earn academic credit while building professional portfolios and the confidence that comes from doing practical work with partners. Champlain students graduate ready to lead, contribute, and stand out in a competitive market.”

The partnership is intentionally structured to be self-sustaining, with projects extending across multiple semesters. As seniors graduate, rising juniors step into established roles within project teams, allowing work to continue without interruption while opening up hands-on, professional experience for future cohorts.

This semester, the inaugural cohort has been working with a team of advisors at BETA to build out an internal app called Echo — a tool designed for knowledge sharing and connection across the organization. Throughout the Spring 2026 term, students have developed and presented prototypes to Champlain faculty and BETA team members, including founder and CEO Kyle Clark, with the goal of producing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) by the end of the term.

“Aligned with Champlain’s experiential learning model, this collaboration connects students with real-world partners and projects tied directly to course outcomes,” said Dr. Hall. “With both virtual and on-site meetings, our collaboration with BETA allows students to gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, and contribute to an active work environment.”

This kind of work reflects Champlain’s broader commitment to career-focused learning — ensuring students gain both credit toward their diploma and valuable professional experience before entering the workforce. Students regularly make real-world contributions to companies both locally in Vermont and globally during their four years at the College.

“As a native Vermonter, it’s important to me to recruit and retain BETA talent from right here in the state, and Champlain College shares our passion for growing Vermont’s innovation workforce,” said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of BETA Technologies. “We’ve already been so impressed and energized by the valuable, fresh perspectives of this cohort from Champlain, and we’re looking forward to seeing how our work on this initiative can evolve.”

Clark will deliver the keynote address to the Class of 2026 at the College’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, where he will also be presented with an honorary doctorate of technology and innovation honoris causa.

To learn more about Champlain’s collaboration with private companies to create opportunities for applied learning and professional experiences, visit Champlain Exchange online.