Stim Factory Academy, Online STEM education, and the Schools of Tomorrow: a short interview with Joie Thompson

The Stim Factory Academy Online Platform is officially in open beta, and it’s already making waves in the education world. Designed to empower students and teachers alike, this groundbreaking platform is redefining what it means to learn and teach in the modern age. With its focus on affordability, accessibility, and practical skills like wealth generation and STEM education, Stim Factory Academy is setting a new standard for what education can and should be.

To learn more about the vision behind the platform, we sat down with Joie, the Director of Operations. In this exclusive interview, Joie opens up about the inspiration behind Stim Factory Academy, the challenges of modern education, and the bold plans to revolutionize how we think about learning. From empowering students with tools like the PIG system to creating opportunities for teachers to earn more, Stim Factory Academy is proving that education can be a game-changer for everyone involved.

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Technology and AI are going to play pivotal roles in the Schools of Tomorrow.

Me: Joie, first of all, congratulations on the open beta launch of the Stim Factory Academy Online Platform! This is such an exciting milestone. How does it feel to see your vision come to life? 

Joie: It feels good, honestly. For a long time, one of Stim Factory's biggest struggles was trying to find other makers that were true to their craft, and not just "faking it until they made it," you know? We really wanted to partner with the best of the best, and what I think we've done is really taken our time and reevaluated that approach. Instead of seeking out those who are already the best, let’s figure out a way to get others to that level. 

This platform represents that shift in thinking. It’s not just about creating something great ourselves—it’s about giving others the tools to become great too. Seeing it in action with the Red Team during the beta phase is surreal. It’s a reminder that we’re building something bigger than ourselves, something that can genuinely change lives. 

Me: For those who may not be familiar, who is the Stim Factory Academy Online Platform designed for? Who are you hoping will benefit the most from this initiative? 

Joie: The platform is designed for both students and teachers, and we’ve been really intentional about ensuring both groups feel the value of what we’re offering. For students, we want them to see the “cheap as hell” aspect of our mission as a positive thing. Affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s not good. We’re here to prove that excellent, practical education can be accessible to everyone. 

For teachers, especially those in Public Ed, we want to become a household name. We want educators to know that our platform isn’t just a teaching tool—it’s also a way for them to earn extra income, and not just a little bit of extra cash. We’re talking about the opportunity to make upwards of $25,000 more a year by teaching on our platform. That kind of financial freedom can change a teacher's life. It’s about giving them the resources and recognition they deserve while still allowing them to do what they love: teach. 

Me: You’ve mentioned a bold vision for Stim Factory Academy taking over public education. What makes you so confident that the traditional system is already obsolete, and how does Stim Factory offer a better alternative? 

Joie: They’re already obsolete. Traditional public education has changed very little in how it serves our children, and it’s always the ones with special needs who get left behind. That’s where the system is failing the most, and there’s major room for improvement. Look at how administrations oversee classrooms—it’s outdated. Teachers are being pigeonholed into teaching “state-approved curriculum,” and that curriculum is what’s lacking. 

And now, with this current administration, we’re about to throw the entire burden of education on the states? Nah. That’s dumb. The solution is simple: these kids need to start dreaming again. They need every possible tool to achieve those dreams. Whether it’s access to STEM education, practical skills, or financial literacy, they need resources that inspire and empower them. 

At the same time, teachers need to get paid more. And when they do, they should be treated with the respect and social status they deserve. Our goal is to make being a teacher as cool and aspirational as being an astronaut. Stim Factory is here to shake things up. We’re not tied to outdated systems or bureaucratic red tape. We’re focused on creating a future where kids dream big, teachers thrive, and education actually works for everyone. 

Me: The Stim Factory Academy Online Platform includes some unique lessons and tools, like the PIG tool and the "Buy, Borrow, Die" strategy. What inspired you to include these topics, and how do you think they’ll impact learners? 

Joie: Artists like Logic and Ice Cube were huge inspirations for us, alongside the first-hand experiences of myself and the team. Both artists have this incredible way of speaking to the struggles and aspirations of everyday people, and that resonated deeply with us. We wanted to create something that could truly help people—not just with dreams of luxury, but with the basics of living a secure and healthy life. 

The primary focus of the PIG tool is to make sure no one ever has to worry about affording medical care. That’s the core of why we built it. We want people to have the freedom to focus on their futures without the constant stress of financial insecurity. And hey, if learners want to keep using the tool even after they’ve covered their essentials—whether it’s to pay cash for a big house, a fancy car, or whatever their dream is—that’s totally okay too. That’s just the icing on the cake. 

Me: What’s next for Stim Factory Academy? Where do you see the platform and your mission heading in the next few years? 

Joie: We’re scaling Stim Factory Academy into what we’re calling the Schools of Tomorrow (SoT)—a concept my team and I are actively developing. In a nutshell, SoT are open campus schools that teach commerce and finance as part of the everyday, year-one curriculum. From the start, students are learning how money works, how to manage it, and how to build wealth. 

Beyond that, SoT will give students the opportunity to work on ambitious, real-world projects—things that challenge them to think big and innovate. At the heart of it all is STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), which is the direct focus of what we’re already doing today with Stim Factory Academy. 

We’re laying the foundation now. Stim Factory Academy is where we’re testing these ideas, creating the tools, and building the community that will make SoT a reality. The future of education isn’t just about teaching kids to pass tests—it’s about teaching them to thrive in the real world. That’s what the Schools of Tomorrow are all about, and we’re making that happen today. 

Conclusion

Stim Factory Academy is more than just an online learning platform—it’s a movement. With a focus on affordable, high-quality education, practical skills, and empowering both students and teachers, Joie and the team are redefining what the future of education looks like. 

Stay tuned for the official launch in just two weeks.  Together, let’s build the Schools of Tomorrow, starting today. 💡✨