CREATE STEM LEARNING ECOSYSTEM JOINS GLOBAL NETWORK FOR STEM INNOVATION
The CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem is proud to announce its acceptance into the International STEM Ecosystem Community of Practice Onboarding Cohort. This global network is dedicated to fostering sustainable and innovative STEM Learning Ecosystems worldwide.
With more than 114 ecosystems across the globe, the network unites educators, industry leaders, and families to create impactful STEM-rich learning opportunities. These ecosystems collectively support over 70 million learners, providing seamless pathways from early education to careers that meet the growing demands of STEM industries.
As a member of this global network, the CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem will benefit from expert guidance in developing a vibrant regional STEM ecosystem. Additionally, it will enable our ecosystem to engage with other communities to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and tackle challenges. Collectively, the effort focuses on aligning workforce needs with educational opportunities to build a pipeline of STEM-skilled individuals ready for the future.
This milestone reflects the CREATE STEM Ecosystem's commitment to shaping a connected and inclusive STEM future for our community. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey to inspire innovation, empower learners, and drive economic growth.
CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem Embarks on Narrowed Workforce Goals for Implementation Phase
The CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem has been awarded the next round of Alabama STEM Council funding for the Implementation Phase. This phase will look a little different than originally envisioned during the Design Studios, as the Alabama STEM Council has introduced a narrower focus to address workforce development challenges more directly.
The STEM Council’s updated framework emphasizes targeted strategies to increase Alabama's labor force participation rate (LFPR) and close critical skills gaps. As part of this streamlined approach, ecosystems statewide are tasked with completing a Skill Needs and Gaps Analysis, which involves surveying local businesses, industry leaders, and educators to identify current and future workforce needs.
Additionally, ecosystems were directed to select one of four priority areas to guide their efforts:
- Expanding Career Exposure and Hands-On Learning Opportunities
- Enhancing Educator Training for Workforce Alignment
- Engaging Community, Family, and Local Partnerships
- Increasing Awareness and Accessibility of Workforce Programs
In alignment with this shift, the CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem's Steering Committee, in partnership with it anchor organization, Oxford City Schools, has chosen to focus on Expanding Career Exposure and Hands-On Learning Opportunities. This decision reflects the ecosystem's commitment to providing students with real-world STEM experiences while building connections with families through future community engagement events.
By narrowing the scope of this phase, the Alabama STEM Council aims to ensure that ecosystems like CREATE can target their efforts more effectively and produce measurable outcomes. This strategic shift provides an opportunity to drive deeper impact, and the CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem is fully committed to advancing this mission and preparing Alabama's future workforce for success.
Preparing Alabama’s Workforce: How the Catalyst Plan and CREATE STEM Align
The Catalyst Plan is Alabama's new long-term economic development strategy designed to strengthen the state's workforce and foster growth in key industries such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, and information technology. By focusing on workforce development, education, and community partnerships, the plan aims to create a skilled talent pipeline to meet the needs of high-demand sectors, ensuring Alabama remains competitive in the evolving global economy.
In alignment with this vision, the CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem seeks to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative STEM education ecosystem that prepares students for future career opportunities. Through its mission, CREATE focuses on providing students with early exposure to STEM fields, helping bridge the gap between education and industry. By offering access to resources, career awareness, and hands-on learning, CREATE equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in high-demand careers across various industries, including those highlighted in the Catalyst Plan.
Both initiatives share a common goal of preparing students with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in STEM careers. The CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem is dedicated to creating a dynamic environment where students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to grow and succeed in fields that will drive Alabama’s future economic growth and innovation.
✂️ Grand Opening of the CREATE Technology and Innovation Center in Oxford, AL ✂️
On November 19, 2024, the CREATE Innovation and Technological Center celebrated its grand opening in Oxford, Alabama, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew over 300 guests, including Governor Kay Ivey. Located in the former Honeywell building at 1 Cliff Garrett Drive, CREATE—short for Choccolocco Research, Education, and Technical Experience—is poised to transform workforce development in East Alabama. This state-of-the-art hub is dedicated to preparing students and adults for high-demand careers in fields like engineering, robotics, computer science, and manufacturing.
Currently, CREATE serves Oxford High School students and adults seeking career advancement opportunities. By next year, the program will expand to include students from 16 high schools across five counties, offering training pathways tailored to meet the evolving needs of industries in the region. Governor Ivey lauded CREATE’s mission during the ceremony, stating, “This is about building brighter futures for our families and the state.”
Oxford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Shannon Stanley expressed pride in the collaboration that brought the project to life. She emphasized its importance as a direct link between education and local industries, saying, “This is the realization of a vision for a next-level learning experience that prepares our students for success.” CREATE Director Lorie Denton highlighted the speed of the center's development, noting that the building was acquired just five months before opening its doors to students. “Thanks to an amazing team, we made this vision a reality in record time,” Denton said.
The event featured speeches from local, state, and federal leaders who praised CREATE’s innovative approach to education and workforce development. Among the speakers were U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, State Senator Keith Kelley, and Oxford Mayor Alton Craft, who emphasized the importance of regional collaboration. Video messages of support came from U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackay, underscoring the broad support for the project.
As a regional education and training hub, CREATE is more than a facility—it’s a testament to what is possible when education, industry, and government work together. By equipping students and adults with the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy, CREATE is helping to drive innovation and economic growth in East Alabama while shaping a brighter future for the community.
Igniting Curiosity: Exploring STEM at Anniston Museum’s Force Factory
The Anniston Museum of Natural History has unveiled an exciting new exhibit, Force Factory, a hands-on discovery experience designed to immerse young learners in the science behind Earth’s natural forces. Opened in September 2023, this permanent exhibit introduces visitors to the powerful forces that shape our planet, such as storms, earthquakes, and ocean currents, and highlights how they impact plants, animals, and people.
Force Factory provides a dynamic, STEM-rich environment where students can explore science concepts in engaging and interactive ways. Aligned with Alabama’s curriculum standards, this exhibit bridges classroom learning with real-world applications, offering young minds the chance to see science in action.
The exhibit includes a building station where children can design and test structures against simulated storms, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Other interactive features include a tornado tube, an earthquake machine, and a submarine and helicopter experience—each showcasing how natural forces interact with and shape life on Earth.
Force Factory not only makes science exciting but also encourages curiosity and exploration, fostering an early interest in STEM fields. By linking hands-on learning with the natural world, this exhibit empowers students to think like scientists and engineers, offering a foundation for future STEM learning and careers.
Admission to the Force Factory exhibit is included with general admission to the Anniston Museum of Natural History. It’s an ideal destination for schools and families looking to inspire the next generation of STEM enthusiasts while connecting them to the wonders of Earth’s natural forces.
Oxford 3rd Graders Bring Holiday Cheer Through Robotics
This holiday season, 3rd grade students from Coldwater, Dearmanville, and Oxford Elementary Schools participated in a unique project combining technology, creativity, and community service. Working with Career Coach April Livingston, the students used their knowledge of assembly lines to solve a real-world problem: helping the fictional Merry and Bright Card Co. fulfill a massive holiday greeting card order. The project brought classroom concepts to life as students operated Dobot Lite robots set up in an assembly line. Each robot was programmed to draw specific parts of the cards, ensuring every one was identical and showcasing the power of automation and teamwork.
Adding a personal touch, students hand-wrote thoughtful holiday messages inside the cards. These messages, intended for the residents of NHC HealthCare, brought warmth and joy to seniors in the community. To make the delivery even more special, a photo album capturing the students in action during the card-making process was included with the cards. Together, the cards and album were hand-delivered to NHC, creating a meaningful connection between the schools and the residents.
This project was more than just an exercise in STEM; it was a lesson in empathy and community involvement. By combining their technical skills with a spirit of giving, the students demonstrated how technology and teamwork can have a real-world impact. Their dedication and enthusiasm brought smiles to many faces and reinforced the idea that learning can make a difference both inside and outside the classroom.
Robotics Competitions: Shaping Future Careers Through STEM
Recent robotics events in our region have provided students with exceptional opportunities to develop the skills needed for future careers in technology, engineering, and beyond. Hosted at the CREATE Technology and Innovation Center in November and December, these events highlighted the power of robotics in fostering critical STEM skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity.
Elementary and middle school teams participated in VEX IQ competitions, while middle and high school teams competed in VEX V5 tournaments. The competitions saw strong participation from schools across the region, including Alexandria, Arab, Donoho, Hoover City, Hartselle, Huntsville, Mountain Brook, Oxford City, Roanoke, Washington County, and White Plains. These events not only allowed students to apply their classroom learning in real-world scenarios but also provided them with hands-on experience in robotics, coding, and engineering design.
The impact of these competitions goes beyond the immediate excitement of the events themselves. By participating, students are gaining skills that directly connect to careers in fields like robotics, engineering, computer science, and manufacturing. Robotics fosters essential problem-solving abilities, enhances teamwork, and encourages innovation—skills that are in high demand across industries.
Looking ahead, more robotics competitions are scheduled for early 2025. On January 31, 2025, middle and high school teams will compete in VEX V5 challenges, followed by VEX IQ competitions for elementary and middle school teams on February 1, 2025. These upcoming events will continue to offer students valuable opportunities to sharpen their technical skills, collaborate with peers, and explore potential career paths in STEM fields.
Cleburne County High School Opens New STEM Lab, Expanding Opportunities for Students
Cleburne County High School has taken a significant step toward enhancing its STEM education offerings with the addition of a new STEM Lab. This space is designed to provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaborative projects that emphasize problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. By connecting classroom lessons to real-world applications, the lab aims to better prepare students for the challenges of a technology-driven world.
At the heart of this initiative is Mrs. Kelly Payton, head of the school’s science department. Known for her innovative teaching methods, Mrs. Payton has played an instrumental role in shaping the vision for this lab and bringing it to fruition. Her efforts reflect a commitment to fostering an engaging and dynamic learning environment that encourages exploration and discovery.
The STEM Lab represents an important step in expanding access to STEM-related learning experiences for students. Through projects and activities tailored to today’s evolving workforce demands, the lab offers students a chance to explore potential careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while building essential skills for their future.
Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) 2025 Expo
ALEX, in partnership with AMSTI and ATiM, is proud to host the Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) events, an educational program designed to actively engage girls in STEM activities. GEMS aims to close the gender gap in STEM by encouraging self-confidence and interest in math and science through both formal and informal learning environments. The program uses eight key teaching strategies to empower female students, helping them develop a strong belief in their abilities in these fields.
2025 GEMS Expo Dates & Locations
- Thursday, February 13, 2025: Landmark Park, Dothan
- Thursday, March 6, 2025: Huntsville Botanical Garden, Huntsville
- Thursday, March 13, 2025: Cleburne County Mountain Center
The GEMS Expo is a one-day event featuring:
- A student project showcase
- Interactive STEM investigations
- Opportunities to meet and engage with female role models
STEM Meet Up for Educators
Any STEM teachers, librarians, or schools in Region 6 looking to get started or continue learning about innovative teaching strategies and tools are invited to attend this FREE professional development day on January 27, 2025. It's a great opportunity to learn new approaches, explore technology integration, and collaborate with other educators. For more information, contact Andrea Taylor at ataylor@atim.us.
We want to hear from you! If your school or business has exciting STEM experiences or partnerships between industry and the community, we’d love to feature them in our next issue. Please take a moment to share your story by scanning the QR code or clicking the link to fill out our quick form. Your contribution helps us highlight innovative learning opportunities and inspire others across our community. We look forward to learning about the amazing work happening in STEM near you!