Educators Dive into Calhoun County Industries During Weeklong STEM Externship Experience
- Laurel Harp
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 27
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2025
Calhoun County, AL – Educators from across the region stepped out of the classroom and into the heart of Calhoun County’s manufacturing sector this week during the Alabama STEM Council’s 2025 STEM Externship Program, hosted by the Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC). The three-day program held June 24–26, gave 10 STEM educators a hands-on opportunity to connect with local employers, tour manufacturing facilities, and explore how classroom learning connects directly to real-world careers.
By bringing teachers face-to-face with the people, processes, and innovations that drive Calhoun County’s economy, the program equips them with new perspectives and practical examples to share with students. Ultimately sparking curiosity, aligning classroom instruction with career pathways, and strengthening the regional talent pipeline.
The experience kicked off on Tuesday with a deep dive into the purpose of CREATE, a regional workforce development, technology, and innovation center in East Alabama that serves students and adults in various pathways, introducing educators to regional efforts focused on career readiness and talent development. Participants engaged in discussions with GD-OTS as well as a dynamic industry career panel featuring young talent from Associated Metalcast, Doncasters, Kronospan, and New Flyer. Followed by a guided tour of the Anniston Army Depot, the visit provided valuable insights into defense manufacturing, logistics operations, and the Pathways program.
Wednesday’s agenda offered a closer look at how STEM is used beyond the classroom. Educators visited M&H Valve to learn about the company’s innovative iHydrant Technologies, toured Tyler Union’s new large-diameter facility including their cutting-edge 3D sand printer, and explored hydroponic towers at Aquality Farms. The day also included a workforce development session led by AIDT at the Anniston Regional Training Center.
The program wrapped up on Thursday with a windshield tour through key industrial parks adding more to the educator’s industry awareness. Educators then toured Carmin Industries, gaining further perspective on precision manufacturing processes. The STEM Externship Program concluded with an Industry Leader Panel at the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center featuring representatives from Auto Custom Carpets, GDLS, and Tyler Union, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between education and industry to strengthen the regional talent pipeline.
“Over the last three years, this program has proven to increase educator awareness about industrial careers in our area,” said Don Hopper, Executive Director of the Calhoun County EDC. “By showing teachers the environment of our industries, we are equipping them with the tools and context to inspire the next generation of talent right here in our communities. Our hope is that the connections made during this experience will continue to grow—through classroom visits, student tours, curriculum alignment, or mentorships—because the relationships built through this externship are just the beginning.”
The Calhoun County EDC expressed sincere thanks to all industry partners, organizations, and educators who participated and made this captivating experience possible. By working together, the region continues to build momentum toward a stronger, more connected workforce.
Alabama STEM Council’s STEM Externship Program: Designed to give educators firsthand insight into the latest real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math within local businesses and industries. By stepping into the workplace, teachers can better understand how STEM and Career Technical Education (CTE) standards connect to the modern workforce. Read more at www.stemcouncil.alabama.gov
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