Rainbow City, AL – The Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama has received a $100,000 grant from the Alabama Power Foundation to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for students across the region.
The funding will bolster the Center’s efforts to provide innovative STEM programs and hands-on learning experiences to middle school students in its 12-county service area. By collaborating with local school systems to address learning gaps, the Center aims to ignite students’ interest in STEM fields and inspire them to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Alabama Power Foundation for their support,” said Tony Smith, Chair of the Advisory Council for the Challenger Learning Center. “This grant will enable us to further our goal of making STEM education accessible and exciting for all students. We are committed to fostering curiosity and a love for learning, and this funding will help us achieve that goal.”
Terry Smiley, Vice President of Alabama Power’s Eastern Division, emphasized the importance of the partnership. “The local support of this unique STEM education facility and its mission makes the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama an ideal partner for the Alabama Power Foundation. We are committed to assisting with developing a highly qualified workforce that will be the foundation of the economic development efforts throughout this area.”
The Challenger Learning Center is part of a global network of more than 30 centers in 24 states, which together have reached over 6 million students worldwide. These centers provide immersive, space-themed missions and a range of hands-on STEM programs. The Northeast Alabama Center will focus on engaging students in Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, Talladega, and Jefferson counties.
This new funding will enable the Challenger Learning Center to expand its offerings and serve as a regional STEM resource, helping to shape the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
With the Alabama Power Foundation’s support, the Center is poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s future workforce by creating interactive educational opportunities that empower students to dream big and achieve their potential in STEM disciplines.
