We Need Your Help Spreading The Word!
Exciting news! Planning for SparkSTEM Discovery Day is well underway, and principals across our region have already received information about student selection and registration. Many have completed the process and are securing spots for their rising 6th graders to participate in this incredible opportunity.
We need your help to continue spreading the word!
Please help us to make sure all principals who serve rising 6th grade students in our region are aware of SparkSTEM Discovery Day and encourage them to take advantage of this chance to select and send students. This event will give students a unique, hands-on experience exploring STEM careers alongside leading industry partners like Honda, New Flyer, Tyler Union, M&H Valve, and more.
Let’s work together to ensure as many students as possible have the opportunity to ignite their interest in STEM pathways!
Learn more about the event here: SparkSTEM Discovery Day
The Jacksonville State University Regional Inservice Center is hosting the Classroom to Career Summit (C2C) on June 24-25, 2025, bringing together K-12 educators and administrators for an innovative two-day professional learning event. Designed to strengthen the alignment between classroom instruction and workforce readiness, the summit offers an immersive experience that fosters partnerships between education and local industries.
Held at the JSU Regional Inservice Center in Anniston, Alabama, and various participating industry sites, the summit's core mission is to equip educators with knowledge, resources, and real-world connections that support student preparedness for college, careers, and the evolving labor market.
Summit Schedule Highlights
Day 1 – June 24
Location: JSU Inservice Center & Local Industries
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8:00–11:00 AM: Opening & Industry Research
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11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Sponsored Lunch
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12:15–3:00 PM: Industry Visits
👉 Please fill out this brief survey to let organizers know which industry you would like to visit on Day 1.
Day 2 – June 25
Location: JSU Regional Inservice Center
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8:00–10:00 AM: Industry Tour Debrief & Classroom Connections
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10:00–11:00 AM: Cross Sector Industry Panel
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11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Sponsored Lunch
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12:00–3:00 PM: Breakout Sessions – Classroom Lessons by Grade-band
Registration Information
Educators and administrators interested in attending can register using the following PowerSchool Section Numbers:
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PS#: 524086
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APLDS PS#: 525937
Be sure to register early to reserve your spot in this exciting professional learning opportunity!
Continued Learning Opportunities Post-Summit
1. VEX Robotics/STEM Workforce Cohort
Teachers who attend the summit are encouraged to apply for the VEX Robotics Cohort, where they'll receive robotics kits and attend four full-day trainings provided by the Southeastern Center of Robotics Education (SCORE at Auburn):
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July 9
September 17
November 5
February 4
Grade-band kits include:
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VEX 123 for K–2
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VEX GO for Grades 3–6
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VEX Work Cell for Grades 7–12
✅ Sub coverage provided
✅ Commitment to all four training days required
🌟 Only 50 teachers will be selected
📩 Apply for the VEX Robotics Cohort
2. Project-Based Learning (PBL) Leadership Cohort
This cohort invites school and district leaders to participate in a powerful training experience focused on implementing project-based and career-connected learning at the school or system level. Inservice will cover participation in at least two days of training in partnership with PBL Works.
📅 Training dates will be announced soon.
Talladega County Schools and Digital Promise Host Successful Alabama Regional Cybersecurity Pathway Site Visit
Lincoln, AL – April 23, 2025
Talladega County Schools and Digital Promise recently hosted the Alabama Regional Cybersecurity Pathway Region 2 Site Visit at Lincoln High School, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase the growing success of the district’s cybersecurity program to industry and community partners.
The event brought together guests from across the region to hear firsthand from students and teachers about the program’s impact. Students shared their experiences and the skills they have gained, while teachers highlighted how the program is equipping students with the tools they need for future careers in cybersecurity. The conversations also looked ahead, with discussion on plans to expand the cybersecurity program into additional school districts within the region.
Building a Regional Movement: How the Alliance Began
The success of the cybersecurity initiative can be traced back to 2023, when the Talladega County Board of Education (TCBOE) launched the program as part of Digital Promise’s Inclusive Cybersecurity Pathways Cohort. Recognizing the importance of building a strong talent pipeline, TCBOE partnered with employers, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies to create workforce pathways for rural, diverse students to earn credentials and secure employment in cybersecurity fields after graduation.
Seeing the positive impact on student career readiness and the potential to fuel regional economic growth, TCBOE and its partners committed to expanding cybersecurity opportunities across Etowah, Cherokee, Calhoun, Cleburne, Talladega, Clay, and Randolph counties. This commitment led to the formation of the East Alabama Regional Cybersecurity Alliance (EARCA) — a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening East Alabama’s economy by creating a vibrant cybersecurity workforce ecosystem.
The site visit served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when schools, communities, and industry leaders work together to open new doors for students and prepare them for the future.
Kits, Kids, and Creativity: Students Shine at STEM Extravaganza
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the City Meeting Center in Anniston was filled with excitement as over 100 students participated in the 2nd Annual Tyler Union/M&H Valve STEM Extravaganza, hosted by AcaSTEMics in partnership with the McWane STEM Initiative and the Wiggins Community Center. Students in grades K-12 assembled an impressive variety of STEM kits, including cars, boats, robots, bubble makers, and wireless speakers.
By introducing students to a wide range of STEM fields, this event empowered them to discover new passions and interests. A huge shoutout to AcaSTEMics for bringing this incredible opportunity to our community!
Innovation Showcases Spark Excitement Across Talladega County Schools
Throughout Talladega County, school gymnasiums have transformed into buzzing hubs of creativity and innovation as K–12 students proudly present their work at Innovation Showcases. These events, held in school communities across the district, highlight the power of project-based learning and the engineering design process in bringing classroom lessons to life.
At each showcase, students eagerly share their projects with parents, community members, and guests—explaining how they tackled real-world problems, collaborated with peers, and used critical thinking to engineer solutions. These events are filled with energy and enthusiasm, as learners demonstrate not just what they’ve created, but how they’ve grown throughout the year.
From storytelling and design to robotics and environmental science, the showcases reflected a wide range of disciplines and student interests. A consistent theme throughout was the strong emphasis on STEM education—where science, technology, engineering, and math were deeply integrated—and the use of the engineering design process to scaffold problem-solving and guide discovery every step of the way. These celebrations are more than just exhibitions—they are a testament to student growth, creativity, and perseverance.
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!