Southwest Alabama STEM Ecosystem [Alabama]
Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Conecuh, Choctaw, and Wilcox, Alabama
![Southwest Alabama STEM Ecosystem [Alabama] logo](https://stemecosystems.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Southwest-Alabama-Ecosystem.jpeg "Southwest Alabama STEM Ecosystem [Alabama] logo")
About
The Southwest Alabama STEM Ecosystem was established in the spring of 2024, to serve the nine-county area of southwest Alabama designated as workforce Region 7. The Southwest Alabama STEM Ecosystem is a collaborative network of educators, industry leaders, and community partners dedicated to bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Our mission is to inspire, equip, and unite individuals through education and collaboration, creating a sustainable workforce that aligns curriculum with real-world skills. We aim to recognize talents, cultivate opportunities, and support the ongoing growth of a resilient workforce that thrives in today’s evolving landscape.
VISION
Our vision is to recognize student talents and create pathways that promote ongoing growth for a resilient workforce. We aim to ensure that K-12 students across Southwest Alabama, from zip code to zip code, can engage in meaningful STEM and workforce development opportunities that enhance their lives and strengthen our communities.
GOALS
- Serve as a connective organization that promotes collaboration and synergy between educational, industry, and community partners.
- Provide accessible and engaging resources and programs that enhance K-12 STEM learning throughout the region.
- Ensure STEM learning throughout the region is aligned to promote and sustain a viable STEM workforce pipeline.
Key Programs
Community Served: Alabama workforce Region 7 consists of the following counties: Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Conecuh, Choctaw, and Wilcox.
Learners Served: 20,000+ learners; early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, and adult learners.
Types of Learner Programs: Curriculum, In-school programs, Afterschool programs, Summer school programs, Internships, Career & Technical Education (CTE), Pre-College STEM programs, Workforce skills & development, Coaching & Mentoring programs.
Types of Educator Programs: 2,500 educators; Professional Development, Training, Resources (equipment, kits, etc.), Curriculum Support and Resources, Industry-Education Partnerships, Conference & Networking Opportunities.
KEY INITIATIVES
The Southwest Alabama STEM Ecosystem is in the process of developing several key initiatives. Learn more by visiting their website at: https://swalstem.org/
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Southwest Alabama STEM Ecosystem’s approach to developing future-ready skills and supporting workforce development is based on creating a regional environment that promotes, nurtures, and sustains forward-thinking and implementable collaborative initiatives and programs. These initiatives and programs will prioritize developing and maintaining a K-12 STEM workforce pipeline that fosters skill development, innovation, and continuous learning. The future of work will be shaped by technological advancements, shifting market demands, and evolving global trends, therefore collaboration and intentionality will guide all of our efforts.
Through collaboration, we will partner with industry/companies to offer internships, apprenticeships, and real-world projects, allowing individuals to gain hands-on experience and better understand the practical application of their skills. Such partnerships will also help organizations identify and cultivate talent for future hiring needs.
We will also focus on inclusivity, ensuring that rural and underserved communities have access to engaging and meaningful STEM learning and skills training opportunities. By providing tailored support for diverse populations, we will help bridge the skills gap and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to succeed in our regional workforce.
Partners
Early Childhood
STEAMCamp for Kids
Kinder Kids Learning Academy
Little Angels Inc
STEM for Kids Mobile Bay
K-12 Education
Alabama School of Math and Science
Clarke County Schools
Washington County Schools
Wilcox County Schools
Monroe County Schools
Escambia County Schools
Mobile County Schools
Baldwin County Schools
Accel Academy Charter Schools
Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy
Conecuh County Schools
Gulf Shores City Schools
Cottage Hill Christian Academy
STEM Camp for Kids
STEM for Kids Mobile Bay
Higher Education
Bishop St Community College
Coastal Alabama Community College
Univ of South Alabama
USA College of Medicine
American Public University System
Out-of-School Time & Informal STEM Providers
Gulf State Park Learning Campus
Boys and Girls Club of Southwest AL
Go Explore Math & Science Program
The Pelicans Nest
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Bellingrath Gardens
Exploreum Science Center
Flight Works
All Things Africatown
Business & Industry
Hargrove Engineers
Volkert & Associates
Thompson Engineering
Airbus
Austal USA
Collins Aerospace
Novelis Corporation
Mobile Chamber of Commerce
Blueforge Alliance
Submarine Industrial Base
Innovation Portal
Longleaf Consulting, LLC
Stoic Equity Partners
QuikFits Wellness and Fitness
Community Partners
City of Bay Minette Recreation Dept
City of Gulf Shores
City of Orange Beach
Mobile Parks and Recreation Dept
City of Mobile External and Community Affairs
Gulf Shores Public Library
Southwest Alabama Works!
Choctaw County Community Education Program
Mobile Area Education Foundation
Government Agencies
NASA
NOAA
Contact
Lindsey Coker
Founder/Director, STEAMCamp for Kids
Jason Ford-Green
Instructor of Chemistry, Bishop St. Community College
Kenneth Robinson
Director of Admissions and Outreach, Alabama School of Math and Science
To contact Southwest Alabama STEM Ecosystem:
https://swalstem.org/contact
