BIRMINGHAM – The Alabama STEM Council of the Alabama Department of Workforce announced a $253,255.00 investment in McWane Science Center during an event Thursday. The funding will expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students and educators and is part of the Council’s investment in Alabama’s three state-designated STEM Hubs.
McWane Science Center in Birmingham is one of Alabama’s three state-designated STEM Hubs, alongside the Saban Center for STEM Education in Tuscaloosa and the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur. The Hubs serve as regional connection points among education, industry and communities. Their work expands access to STEM learning and connects educational opportunities with regional workforce needs. Rene McNeal, Senior Director of STEM Programs, spearheaded the Council’s coordination of this investment and has led broader work to strengthen Alabama’s STEM Hub network.
“Hands-on STEM learning helps students see how the skills they develop in the classroom connect to careers here in Alabama,” said Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed. “Supporting our STEM Hubs gives educators and community partners more resources to prepare young people for the opportunities available across our state.”
The funding will support:
- Professional development: Conference and workshop participation for Hub staff to bring new ideas and best practices into their programs.
- Programmatic materials: Hands-on supplies for STEM programming and outreach materials that help reach more students and families.
- Curriculum development: New STEM curriculum and learning experiences for students and educators.
- Staffing support: Support for the staff who deliver STEM programs, including related supplies and travel.
“Expanding access to hands-on STEM learning takes strong programs and the people to deliver them,” said Dr. Cynthia McCarty, acting director of the Alabama STEM Council. “This support will help McWane Science Center develop new learning experiences and give its team the tools to reach more students and educators.”
Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed joined representatives from the Alabama STEM Council and McWane Science Center on Thursday to recognize the investment and discuss how the funding will expand STEM learning opportunities across the region.
About the Alabama STEM Council
The Alabama STEM Council, part of the Alabama Department of Workforce, works with education, industry and community partners to expand STEM learning and connect students and educators with Alabama’s workforce needs. Learn more at stemcouncil.alabama.gov.
Media Release/Alabama Dept. of Workforce
