CREATE STEM Learning Network
ISSUE 12
The CREATE Center is beginning its third year of operations with continued growth in both regional participation and career pathway opportunities. This year, students from eight school systems will have the opportunity to participate in high-wage, high-demand Career Technical Education pathways that may not be available at their home schools.
Since opening its doors in August 2024 with just seven staff members, CREATE has continued to expand its capacity to connect students with the skills, experiences, and training needed for their future careers. This year, 19 CREATE staff members will support students across a growing range of specialized pathways.
Current pathways include Computer Science, Engineering, Greenpower Race Design and Engineering, Modern Manufacturing, Robotics, Cybersecurity, IMPACT, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Aviation, and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. The addition of Aviation and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics this year further expands opportunities for students to explore careers aligned with regional and statewide workforce needs.
The regional reach of CREATE also continues to grow. In addition to partnerships with participating public school systems, new opportunities to partner with private schools and homeschool entities are being explored, creating the potential for even more students to access specialized career and technical education experiences.
As CREATE enters year three, its growth reflects a shared commitment among schools, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to remove barriers between students and future career opportunities. By working regionally, school systems can provide students access to programs, equipment, expertise, and career pathways that would be difficult for every individual school to offer on its own.
When educators connect with industry, students benefit. Recently, 60 new-hire educators from Jacksonville City Schools and Oxford City Schools participated in industry tours across Calhoun County, gaining firsthand insight into modern manufacturing, technology, workforce needs, and career opportunities available throughout our region.
Educators visited Bridgewater Interiors, Carmin Industries, Kronospan USA, M&H Valve, and Wellborn Cabinet, where industry partners provided a closer look at their operations and the skills needed for success in today's workforce.
Experiences like these help educators make stronger connections between classroom learning and future careers. By increasing educators' awareness of local industries and career pathways, they are better equipped to help students understand how their interests, talents, and classroom experiences can translate into opportunities beyond graduation.
Career awareness begins long before students are ready to enter the workforce. Every classroom connection, conversation, and real-world experience can help students see possibilities they may not have considered before. Thank you to Jacksonville City Schools, Oxford City Schools, and our participating industry partners for recognizing the value of connecting education and industry and investing in opportunities that ultimately benefit students across our region.
🚀 SparkSTEM Discovery Day | Oxford
On July 16, the CREATE STEM Learning Network welcomed rising 5th–8th grade students to the CREATE Technology and Innovation Center in Oxford for a day of hands-on STEM learning and career exploration.
Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive experiences led by local business and industry professionals, discovering how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are used to solve real-world problems. From manufacturing and transportation to healthcare, utilities, public safety, and skilled trades, students explored exciting career opportunities while engaging in hands-on activities and conversations with professionals.
A huge thank you to our incredible partners for investing in the next generation:
⭐ Littleton Electric
⭐ Alabama Power
⭐ New Flyer
⭐ Regional Medical Center
⭐ City of Oxford Police Department
⭐ Tyler Union
⭐ Bird's Inc.
⭐ Oxford City Schools
Because of your time, expertise, and enthusiasm, students were able to make meaningful connections between what they learn in the classroom and the careers that help keep our communities strong.
Thank you to our volunteers, educators, and community partners who helped make this event a success. Together, we're inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and workforce leaders while strengthening the connection between education and industry.
🚀 SparkSTEM Discovery Day | Randolph County
On July 21, the CREATE STEM Learning Network partnered with Randolph-Roanoke Career Technology Center to host SparkSTEM Discovery Day for 5th–8th grade students, providing a day of hands-on STEM learning and career exploration.
During the day, students rotated through engaging, hands-on STEM experiences led by local business and industry professionals. They explored how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics connect to real-world careers across fields such as construction, energy, agriculture, higher education, and automotive technology. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, participate in interactive activities, and gain firsthand insight from professionals who are shaping and strengthening our local workforce.
A special thank you to our outstanding partners:
⭐ Sunny King Honda
⭐ Alabama Power
⭐ Alabama Extension
⭐ Forsyth Construction
⭐ Southern Union
⭐ Oxford City Schools
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Logan Cofield and the entire staff at Randolph-Roanoke Career Technology Center for partnering with the CREATE STEM Learning Network to host this event. Your leadership, hospitality, and dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for students were instrumental in making SparkSTEM Discovery Day a tremendous success.
Thank you to all of our volunteers, educators, and community partners who continue to invest in the future of our students. We are helping students discover exciting career pathways, connect classroom learning to the real world, and build the workforce of tomorrow.
Two days. Two venues. A dozen industry partners. Hundreds of conversations. One shared goal: connecting classroom learning to the future workforce.
The 2026 Classroom to Career Educator Summit, co-hosted by the CREATE STEM Learning Network and the Jax State Regional Inservice Center, brought together K–12 educators, administrators, industry leaders, and workforce partners for two days of professional learning focused on bridging the gap between education and workforce readiness.
Educators stepped outside the classroom and into the workplace, visiting Blue Bell Creameries, Anniston Army Depot, Kronospan, Southwire, Gadsden State Community College, and Aquality Farms. These experiences gave participants a firsthand look at regional career opportunities, workplace environments, emerging technologies, and the skills employers are looking for in future employees.
Throughout the summit, industry and workforce leaders shared perspectives on career pathways, apprenticeships, regional economic development, and opportunities to build stronger connections between schools and employers. Panelists included Samuel Sawyer, Cecily Means, Catherine Bishop, Karla Eden, Don Hopper, Steve Howell, and Hannah White. Dr. Chris Crawford also challenged and inspired participants through the summit keynote.
The event celebrated the accomplishments of the VEX Cohort graduates, recognizing educators who have invested in expanding robotics and STEM learning opportunities for students.
A special thank you goes to the summit planning committee, Valerie Curtis, Andrea Taylor, Lisa Smith, Abby Howle, Kayla Bowman, Laurel Harp, Hailey Ridgeway, Sherita Hayes, and Lisa Morales, as well as every industry partner who opened their doors, shared their expertise, and invested in educators.
Most importantly, thank you to the educators who showed up ready to learn, ask questions, and make connections. When educators better understand the industries, skills, and opportunities available in our region, they can bring those connections back to their students and help them see a clearer path from classroom to career.
Bring Invention Convention to Your Students
Educators across Region 2 have another opportunity to join the growing Invention Convention Alabama (ICA) network for the 2026–2027 school year. Invention Convention is a K–12 invention education program that combines STEM, invention, and entrepreneurship, challenging students to identify real-world problems, develop creative solutions, and communicate their ideas through the invention process.
The program continues to grow across Alabama. During its statewide rollout, 52 teachers from 23 counties mentored more than 1,400 students in invention education. Regional competitions led to the Alabama State Invention Convention at Auburn University, where 78 students showcased 51 unique inventions. Six Alabama students representing four projects advanced to the 2026 Invention Convention Nationals at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
Now is a great time for more Region 2 educators to get involved. Free, TEAMS-approved professional development is available for educators and mentors of students in grades 4–12. The program is open to public, private, and home schools as well as after-school programs, clubs, Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, and 4-H programs. Both the training and participation in the program are free.
Upcoming training opportunities include:
📍 August 21 | Southern Research, Birmingham
📍 August 22 | Montgomery Public Schools
📍 August 28 | IDEA Bank at Troy University
📍 September 12 | The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Educators who cannot attend an in-person session can also complete the online Bringing Invention to Your Classroom course through InHub and The Henry Ford as a provisional pathway to participation. Educators who attended an ICA professional development session in 2025 or 2026 should complete the ICA Teacher Application by September 4 to participate in the 2026–2027 convention year.
With a statewide goal of reaching 3,000 young inventors in 2026–2027, this is an exciting opportunity for Region 2 educators to give students another pathway to turn curiosity and creativity into real-world innovation.
Questions? Contact Region 2 Director Abby Howle at ahowle@oxboe.com or ICA State Coordinator Leeanne Gleim at lkg0042@auburn.edu.
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!