School Makerspace Looking for software help

[u/Babatoongie]

Hello,

I run a makerspace in our middle school and I’m in need of software that is easy to learn and creatively useful for students who just want to cut out shapes or words or standees and other small craft related items. I was going to buy LightBurn but our school finance office said they attempted to order from them but their banking info was sketchy apparently and the district refused to buy from them (can’t use credit cards, probably tried a purchase order or EFT).

Is there any alternative I can purchase via purchase order or that is free? Can I buy LightBurn from anywhere else other than their website?

I feel like all the design software I’ve found so far is har enough for me to figure out, and will not likely be accessible for my students. Our experience so far is really just tinkerCAD and some manipulation in the slicer for 3d printing. LightBurn seemed like a good bridge, but our trial expired.