Central 6 STEM Learning Ecosystem [Alabama]
Birmingham, Jefferson, St. Clair, Blount, Shelby, Chilton, and Walker.
![Central 6 STEM Learning Ecosystem [Alabama] logo](https://stemecosystems.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Central6logo.png "Central 6 STEM Learning Ecosystem [Alabama] logo")
About
Based on the application reports, the Central6 STEM Learning Ecosystem, led by McWane Science Center, serves six counties surrounding Birmingham, Alabama, impacting nearly 90,000 learners and 6,000 educators through a collaborative network of 30 diverse partners including schools, businesses, and community organizations. The ecosystem focuses on increasing STEM awareness and providing accessible pathways to STEM education and careers, with key initiatives including annual STEM events, professional development for educators, and workforce development programs that emphasize improving graduation rates and addressing local STEM job shortages.
VISION
With a unified network of collaborators, we will increase awareness of STEM opportunities, identify STEM deserts, respond to local academic needs, and empower students and teachers through accessible pathways to STEM education and careers.
GOALS
1. To firmly establish a working group of partners to collaborate on funding, programs, and a vision for the future.
2. To create a robust calendar that highlights all of the STEM programming available in our Ecosystem area.
3. To host a premier STEM Festival.
Key Programs
Community Served: Alabama six counties surrounding, and including, Birmingham, Jefferson, St. Clair, Blount, Shelby, Chilton, and Walker.
Learners Served: 90,000 learners; early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, post-secondary, and adult learners.
Types of Learner Programs: In-school programs, Afterschool programs, Summer school programs, Work-based learning programs, Career & Technical Education (CTE), Pre-College STEM programs, Workforce skills & development.
Types of Educator Programs: 6,000 educators; Professional Development, Training, Resources (equipment, kits, etc.), Curriculum Support and Resources, Coaching or Mentoring Programs.
KEY INITIATIVES
The Central6 STEM Ecosystem is focusing on cultivating a more diverse STEM workforce by actively working to engage underrepresented communities. This aligns with their commitment to serve multiple populations including BIPOC communities, low-income areas, and both rural and urban communities.
The Central6 STEM Ecosystem is creating a comprehensive communication plan that stakeholders can use for STEM engagement.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOCUS
The Central6 STEM Learning Ecosystem takes a comprehensive, data-driven approach to workforce development across their six-county region. By surveying top businesses and industries to identify critical STEM skill needs and leveraging data from state agencies like the Alabama Departments of Education, Labor, and Commerce, they ensure their programs align with regional workforce demands. Their strategy focuses on both immediate and long-term workforce needs by improving graduation rates, providing early learning access, and addressing STEM job shortages.
Through strategic partnerships with Alabama Works and major employers like Alabama Power and Spire Energy, the Ecosystem creates meaningful connections between education and industry, exemplified by their Worlds of Work event. Their educational programming spans the full career preparation spectrum, including work-based learning, Career & Technical Education (CTE), pre-college STEM programs, and workforce skills development. This comprehensive approach ensures they’re building a robust STEM talent pipeline while keeping educators current with industry needs through professional development opportunities.
Partners
K-12 Education
Jefferson County Schools
St Clair County Schools
Walker County Schools,
Higher Education
Miles College
Jefferson State Community College
Bevill State Community College
Out-of-School Time (OST) & Informal STEM Providers
Birmingham Zoo
Ed Farm
Jones Valley Teaching Farm
AG Gaston Business Institute
Breakthrough Birmingham
Foundation for the Art and Science of Learning
Oak Mountain State Park
Coosa Riverkeeper
Business & Industry
Spire
Red Diamond
American Ductile Iron Pipe
Protective Life Insurance
Yates Engineering,
Community Partners
YMCA
Birmingham Public Library
Hoover Library
Central 6 Alabama Works
Government Agencies
City of Birmingham
City of Cordova
City of Hoover
Contact
Peggy Chowning
VP of Education, McWane Science Center
pchowning@mcwane.org
Odyssey Crowell
STEM Education Specialist, McWane Science Center
ocrowell@mcwane.org
