TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WDNews) — The Saban Center for STEM Education will receive nearly $252,000 to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students and educators.
According to the Alabama Department of Workforce, the Alabama STEM Council announced the $251,939.59 investment during an event Thursday. The funding is part of the council’s support for Alabama’s three state-designated STEM Hubs.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
“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 money will support staff training, hands-on learning supplies, outreach materials and new curriculum. It will also help cover staffing needs, supplies and travel for employees who deliver STEM programs.
The Saban Center in Tuscaloosa, McWane Science Center in Birmingham and Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur serve as the state’s STEM Hubs. The centers connect schools, businesses and communities to expand learning opportunities and help students explore skills needed in the workforce.
“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 the Saban Center develop new learning experiences and give its team the tools to reach more students and educators.”
