Flight Works Alabama is partnering with Airbus, the state of Alabama, Alabama Power Foundation, Amazon Web Services, Snap-on Incorporated, Mott MacDonald, the University of West Alabama, and the University of South Alabama on the We Build it Better program.

“This exemplifies Flight Works Alabama’s commitment to innovation within science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education,” said Jeff Knittel, chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas.

“Through this program, middle school students will be introduced to a stimulating curriculum, providing them with invaluable workforce skills they otherwise might not receive,” he added.

“We are proud to partner with Flight Works Alabama on this cutting-edge and exciting initiative.”

MISSION SUPPORT

Aimed at middle school students, the overall objective of the program is to weave 21st century work skills with higher level thinking skills such as measurement, product design, tools, electrical wiring, fiber optics and coding to encourage students to design inventions on their own.

“We Build It Better offers crucial integration of hands-on training, practical skill acquisition and workforce development to Alabama’s middle schoolers in a unique way,” Governor Kay Ivey said.

“The program directly aligns with Flight Works Alabama’s mission to inspire, equip and reinforce Alabama’s future workforce through innovative educational offerings, like this one, which the state is proud to support.”

The in-school pilot program will begin in January 2021. Middle school teachers will be provided the first three of the seven innovation kits. The kits will provide an array of instructional videos, hands-on activities, challenges, tools and materials, as well as assessments.

The entire seven-module program will be piloted at Flight Works Alabama during spring 2021.