Flight Works Alabama offering new innovation education program in 2021 – Alabama NewsCenter

Flight Works Alabama will be launching an innovative new learning program in 2021 for middle school students.

The industry-driven and educator-developed “We Build It Better” will introduce new and inventive technologies, expose students to techniques that help build new skill sets, provide hours of curriculum and activities, offer unique resources and promote career awareness.

“This exemplifies Flight Works Alabama’s commitment to innovation within science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education,” said Chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas Jeff Knittel. “Through this program, middle school students will be introduced to a stimulating curriculum, providing them with invaluable workforce skills they otherwise might not receive. We are proud to partner with Flight Works Alabama on this cutting-edge and exciting initiative.”

 

Flight Works Alabama is partnering with Airbus, the state of Alabama, Alabama Power Foundation, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Snap-on Incorporated, Mott MacDonald, University of West Alabama and University of South Alabama to develop and deliver the We Build It Better program. Flight Works Alabama said the overall objective of this 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 of 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,” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. “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.

To learn more about We Build It Better, visit its Facebook page or Instagram profile.