Key Programs

Community Served:We serve Alabama’s Workforce Region 3 which includes the following counties: Lamar, Fayette, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Bibb, and Marengo.

Learners Served: Short-term impact of 10,000+ learners and a long-term impact of 25,000+ learners; elementary, middle school, high school, post-secondary.

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

Types of Educator Programs: Short-term impact on 250-400 educators with a long-term impact of 500-1,000+;  Resources (equipment, kits, etc.), Curriculum Support and Resources, Industry-Education Partnerships, Conference/Networking Opportunities, Technology Integration Support.

KEY INITIATIVES
Identifying Regional Skill Needs: The STEM Collective is conducting regional workforce surveys and gap analyses to identify critical skill shortages and align education with industry demands. By gathering insights from businesses, industry leaders, and educators, we will pinpoint the most in-demand skills and workforce needs in our region. This data-driven approach ensures that students are equipped with the necessary skills and credentials to succeed in high-growth STEM careers.

Raising Awareness and Accessibility of Workforce Programs: To bridge the gap between education and workforce opportunities, we are launching targeted outreach campaigns to promote workforce programs, career pathways, and STEM training opportunities. By leveraging social media, community events, and school partnerships, we aim to increase participation, particularly among underserved communities. Additionally, we are developing a regional career hub on our website that will provide a comprehensive resource for students, educators, and families to explore STEM career pathways, internships, apprenticeships, and industry-aligned credentials.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOCUS
The STEM Collective is committed to equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in high-demand careers. Through strong industry partnerships and education alignment, we ensure that STEM learning directly connects to workforce needs, preparing students for real-world opportunities. Our approach is centered on two key initiatives: Identifying Regional Skill Needs and Raising Awareness and Accessibility of Workforce Programs.

To identify regional skill needs, we conduct workforce surveys and gap analyses in collaboration with businesses, industry leaders, and educators. These insights allow us to pinpoint critical skill shortages and align K-12, higher education, and career training programs with emerging job market demands. By defining essential competencies in high-growth STEM sectors, we ensure that students gain the technical, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills required for the modern workforce.

In addition to aligning education with industry needs, we are focused on raising awareness and accessibility of workforce programs to increase participation, particularly among underserved communities. We are launching targeted outreach campaigns, social media engagement, and a career hub to connect students and families with internships, apprenticeships, certifications, and work-based learning experiences.

By combining data-driven workforce alignment with accessible career resources and outreach efforts, the STEM Collective ensures that students are future-ready and well-positioned for success in Alabama’s evolving job market. Through collaborative partnerships, industry engagement, and workforce development programs, we are building a sustainable STEM ecosystem that benefits both students and the regional economy.