FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2025

Alabama Department of Workforce Announces Completion of 2025 STEM Teacher Externship Program

43 Educators Gain Industry Experience to Prepare Students for Alabama’s Future Workforce

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Department of Workforce (ADOW) is proud to announce the successful completion of the 2025 STEM Teacher Externship Program, an initiative of the Alabama STEM Council. In June and July, 43 teacher externs representing 21 school systems and 28 schools across Alabama completed immersive externships with industry partners in all seven workforce regions.

The externship program directly connects Alabama educators to the state’s leading industries, giving teachers real-world experience to bring back into the classroom. By aligning academic instruction with the knowledge and skills employers value most, the STEM Teacher Externship Program strengthens Alabama’s talent pipeline and helps students prepare for college, trade school, or direct entry into the workforce.

“Programs like the STEM Teacher Externship Program reflect the department’s mission to ensure Alabama students graduate with the skills needed to thrive in the modern economy,” said Workforce Secretary Greg Reed. “Through the leadership of the Alabama STEM Council, these externships provide teachers with industry insights that ultimately shape curriculum, inspire students, and fuel the state’s long-term workforce readiness.”

2025 Worksite Hosts:

HudsonAlpha, Jefferson County Greenways, Southeast Alabama Works (Dothan and Troy), Calhoun County Economic Development Council, Mercedes-Benz USI, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, B.F. Goodrich, and Georgia-Pacific.

Worksite Host Partners:

Abbeville Fiber, ATTA STEM Library, Golden Peanut, Venture Overland Campers, Peak Renewables, Qualico Steel, GL Robotics, Glasstream Powerboats, McLane Distribution, KW Plastics, Goshen Ag Academy, C Spire, Block Wire, Johnson Labs, Troy Regional Medical Center, Rex Lumber, Judith March, Conecuh Ridge Distillery, Troy University STEM Lab, CREATE STEM Learning Ecosystem, Anniston Army Depot, M&H Valve, Tyler Union, and Carmin Industries.

Participating Schools:

Barbour County High School, Jackson-Olin High School, Calhoun County Career Academy, Wellborn High School, White Plains High School, Enterprise Career and Technology Center, Brantley School, Luverne High School, Daleville High School, Abbeville High School, Holy Spirit Catholic School, Rehobeth High School, Ashford Middle School, Houston County Virtual Academy, Hoover High School, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School, Hazel Green High School, Monroe County High School, Carver High School, Goodwyn Middle School, Oxford High School, Central Freshman Academy, Goshen High School, Pike County High School, Charles Henderson High School, Northridge High School, Paul Bryant High School, and Tuscaloosa County Career & Technology Academy.

For photographs of these events, please visit STEM Externship Photos.

Investing in Alabama’s Workforce Pipeline:

The Alabama Department of Workforce Development views the STEM Teacher Externship program as a strategic investment in Alabama’s long-term competitiveness. By giving teachers a direct line of sight into the skills and technologies shaping today’s industries, the program ensures students graduate better prepared to seize opportunities in Alabama’s growing economy.

About the Alabama Department of Workforce:

The Alabama Department of Workforce leads statewide efforts to strengthen workforce readiness, career pathways, and economic opportunity. As part of this mission, ALDOW oversees initiatives like the Alabama STEM Council, ensuring that education and industry remain aligned to meet the state’s evolving needs. Last year’s “Alabama Workforce Transformation Act” legislation added to and renamed the Department of Labor as the Alabama Department of Workforce.

###

Members of the media seeking more information should contact Communications Director Tara Hutchison.

An Equal Opportunity Employer / Program

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Dial 711 for TTY Accessibility