Jacksonville, AL — The Jacksonville State University (JSU) Board of Trustees has approved an agreement with the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama to establish the Jacksonville State University STEAM Institute – Home of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama.
Located in Rainbow City, the new facility will be Alabama’s only Challenger Learning Center, serving as a regional hub for innovation, discovery, and workforce development. As part of the international Challenger Center network—founded by the families of the Challenger STS-51L crew—the center will deliver hands-on STEAM education through simulated space missions and career-connected learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity and prepare students for future success in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Through immersive, space-themed missions and engineering labs, students will apply classroom learning in real-world contexts, enhancing their problem-solving, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills. Programs will align with Alabama’s K–12 standards and include opportunities to earn junior microcredential badges in fields such as robotics and engineering. The center will serve students in grades 5–8 across 12 counties in Northeast Alabama: Etowah, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Jefferson, Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, and Talladega.
Established in 2022, the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama originated from a regional advisory council composed of 15 business and community leaders dedicated to advancing STEM education and workforce readiness. Their vision of creating a world-class applied-learning environment has been realized through collaboration among education, industry, and civic partners, including JSU.
“Partnering with Challenger Learning Center represents a tremendous opportunity for Jax State to expand access to STEAM education and ignite curiosity in young minds,” said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at JSU. “This collaboration allows us to inspire students early in their academic journeys and demonstrate how education connects directly to the workforce needs of our state and region.”
“As a third-generation JSU graduate, I am proud of this partnership as it will bring a university presence to our community that will inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators,” said Dr. Farrah Hayes, Executive Director of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama. “Working alongside the leadership and faculty of Jax State will take our mission to the next level by connecting instruction to meaningful, applied STEAM experiences that prepare students for the high-tech workforce of tomorrow.”
Through this partnership, students will benefit from educators equipped to prepare them for the demands of Alabama’s growing industries. The collaboration will also allow JSU students and faculty to engage directly with K–12 learners, introducing middle school students to the university’s academic programs and pathways.
The Jacksonville State University STEAM Institute – Home of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabamais scheduled to open in 2026, marking a milestone in expanding access to high-quality STEAM education across the region.
