CHILDERSBURG, Ala. – High school students explored potential career paths through hands-on learning during the ALICE Community Center’s three-day “STEAM Up Your Summer” camp, held in early July at Central Alabama Community College’s Childersburg campus.
The camp introduced students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) while helping them connect classroom concepts to real-world careers and workforce opportunities.
“We want our young people to see that there are so many different opportunities available to them,” said Gerald Wallace, Founder and President of the ALICE Community Center. “Bringing these experiences to Childersburg gives students a chance to try something new, meet professionals doing the work, and hopefully discover a path they may not have considered before.”
Participants took part in career and technical education activities offered through CACC, including welding, precision machining, and industrial electronics. Students also attended a biomechanics workshop, explored architecture through design and engineering projects, and worked in teams on an event-planning challenge that included budgeting, concept development, and promotional materials.
“CACC is excited to be partnering with ALICE on this important project for two years now,” said CACC President Jeff Lynn. “We look forward to continuing to create meaningful change in lives throughout our community.”
According to Ty Knight, Project Director for the ALICE Community Center, the camp was designed to make learning relevant and practical.
“Whether students were welding, exploring biomechanics, learning about architecture and journalism, or building an event budget, we wanted them to see how the skills they learn today can connect to opportunities in their future,” Knight said.
The program supports the ALICE Community Center’s mission of exposing young people to educational, college, and career pathways beyond the traditional classroom.
