Marlon Matilla is the Founder and Managing Facilitator of NextGen LearnLab Academy, an educator, researcher, and STEM advocate dedicated to empowering families through innovative, hands-on learning. He currently serves as faculty at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, where he teaches Applied Technical Mathematics, supporting students pursuing careers in skilled trades, engineering technologies, and applied STEM fields.
With over a decade of experience teaching mathematics, computer science, and interdisciplinary STEM across Florida and Arkansas, Marlon is deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality, flexible, and relevant STEM education. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, a Graduate Certificate in Professional Education from the University of North Florida, and was selected as an Equity Fellow at the University of Arkansas, where his graduate studies in Educational Equity further strengthened his focus on inclusive and impactful instruction. He is certified in Arkansas to teach Mathematics (Grades 7-12) and Computer Science (Grades 4-12).
As an Education Freedom Account (EFA)-approved provider, Marlon designs learning programs that honor family-chosen curricula while offering structured instructional support, STEM enrichment, and applied learning experiences. His programs emphasize real-world problem solving, data literacy, and confidence-building-helping learners connect academic concepts to practical applications and future career pathways.
Marlon’s work has received national and state-level recognition, including honors and appointments from
NASA, the Space Foundation, and the Arkansas Association of Mathematics Leaders. He advances STEM
and Al education through leadership roles such as NASA STEM Education Ambassador, CIRCLS Educator
Fellow, and CRAFT Co-Design Fellow with the Stanford Graduate School of Education. His published
research and applied projects reflect a sustained commitment to data-driven decision-making, ethical
technology use, and equitable access to high-quality STEM learning.
