REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (March 6, 2023) – It is a one-of-its-kind school, and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center is proud to be its partner.
The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering was founded in 2018 as the nation’s only high school focused on the integration of cyber technology and engineering into all academic disciplines. As part of the Center and school’s partnership which began in 2022, DEVCOM AvMC team members have mentored students throughout the current school year, through weekly virtual meetings. The students and mentors finally had the opportunity to meet in person in March upon the program’s conclusion.
The mentors helped the students - juniors and seniors - build a portfolio that included a resume and provided guidance on interviews, public speaking, and various “soft skills” that will help the students navigate their futures. From all sides, it has been a huge success.
“The students love having someone who has a vested interested in them,” said mentor program coordinator, DeAnne Boseck.
Serving as mentors were Anthony Holden, Seth Allison, Delaney Jordan, Ella Bonner, Tony Still, Brian Robinson, Tara Mayhan, David Nance, Allison Parrish, Rob Wheeler, Dr. Ebonee Walker, Dr. Neili Loupe, Spencer Cunningham, Chris Lofts, Terita Tall, Jeffrey Gaddes and Darious Bland.
Starting in 2024, ASCTE students will have the opportunity to intern at AvMC, strengthening the students’ understanding of cyber and engineering technology, specifically as it pertains to supporting the warfighter and national defense. It will also introduce students to career opportunities at the Center and with the U.S. Army, which in turn may influence their future career decisions.
“AvMC has a long history of supporting local community initiatives, but I have to confess that our participation in this program is not completely altruistic,” said Ken Pruitt, AvMC’s liaison to ASCTE. “In fact, we are selfishly hoping to create a direct pipeline for our future workforce as we increase involvement with ASCTE. As engineering and cyber disciplines become more specialized, it becomes even more important to reach further back into the workforce pipeline to prepare future employees. We are delighted to be in a position to help ASCTE students decide to focus their careers on our specific needs.”
Admittance into the school for the next academic year is in high demand. More than 400 Alabama students applied for the approximately 100 open spots.
For the mentors, the program has been equally rewarding as they have had the opportunity to not just impart life lessons and professional experience but also be a cheerleader for their mentee.
“Don’t sell yourself short if you are not naturally inclined to something,” mentor Tony Still told his students as they went through their portfolio. “These are skills that you can build.”
For the Center, the partnership is an opportunity to build the bench for the workforce, creating relationships with the best and brightest of the next generation - and potential future subject matter experts.
“I’ve taught in public school, private school and college – these kids are unique,” Boseck said.
--
The DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center, headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the Army’s research and development focal point for advanced technology in aviation and missile systems. It is part of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command. AvMC is responsible for delivering collaborative and innovative aviation and missile capabilities for responsive and cost-effective research, development and life cycle engineering solutions, as required by the Army’s strategic priorities and support to its Cross-Functional Teams.
Social Sharing