Key Programs

Community Served:Alabama’s Workforce Region 2, including seven counties: Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Randolph and Talladega, plus a sector of St. Clair county through the CREATE Regional Workforce Development Center.

Learners Served: Approximately 58,000 students are enrolled in the school systems served by the CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem; elementary, middle school, high school.

Types of Learner Programs: In-school programs, Afterschool programs, Summer school programs, Work-based learning programs, Career & Technical Education (CTE), Pre-College STEM programs, Stackable credentials, Technical training & certification, Workforce skills & development, Apprentice programs, Degree programs, Coaching or Mentoring Programs.

Types of Educator Programs: 4,000 educators engaged; Professional Development, Training, Resources (equipment, kits, etc.), Curriculum Support and Resources, Coaching or Mentoring Programs, Externships, Industry-Education Partnerships, Conference/Networking Opportunities, Technology Integration Support.

KEY INITIATIVES
Classroom to Career Summit: The Classroom to Career Educator and Industry Summit aims to equip educators with the knowledge, resources, and partnerships needed to align classroom instruction with workforce demands, fostering student readiness for college, careers, and the future labor market.

Expanding Career Exposure and Hands-On Learning Opportunities for 6th Grade Students: Participants will engage with industry professionals, exploring the skills that drive today’s workforce while experiencing hands-on activities that bring STEM careers to life. Through interactive sessions and industry site visits, students will learn about local industries where their STEM knowledge can lead to exciting job opportunities.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOCUS
The CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem is committed to equipping students with future-ready skills and supporting workforce development through career pathways, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities. By integrating career technical pathways with work-based learning and credentialing opportunities, students gain the skills necessary to thrive in high-demand industries.

The CREATE Workforce Development Center plays a pivotal role in this effort, offering pathways in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Robotics, Modern Manufacturing, Engineering, and Aviation. Students engage in real-world simulations, mirroring workplace expectations such as clocking in, working under supervision, following safety protocols, and meeting project deadlines. This hands-on approach ensures they are job-ready upon graduation.

To strengthen industry connections, the ecosystem fosters teacher externships and industry tours for both educators and students, deepening their understanding of workforce expectations and emerging career trends. Interactive career awareness events and guest speakers from industry and business provide additional exposure, allowing students to explore diverse career paths and hear firsthand about workplace experiences.

Parental engagement is also a key component, ensuring families are informed and involved in their child’s career journey. Through these initiatives, along with partnerships with industry leaders such as Kronospan, Honda Manufacturing, and the New Flyer Group, students receive targeted training that aligns with employer needs. By bridging education and industry, the CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem empowers students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences to succeed in an evolving workforce.