Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama announced on November 25 that it has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Alabama Power Foundation to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for students in northeast Alabama. Then, on Dec. 5, the center announced Dr. Farrah Hayes as its executive director.
Hayes will assume the role on January 1, 2025. According to a press release from the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama, Hayes brings 20 years combined experience in the K12 classroom and higher education.
“She will play a key role in furthering Challenger’s mission to provide experiential STEM education programs to Northeast Alabama,” the release read. “Additionally, she will work closely with the advisory council to continue their mission to secure funding for the project and educate the public about the center’s mission and programs.”
Before joining Challenger Learning Center, Hayes served as the Dean of Academic Programs and Services at Gadsden State Community College. Hayes has been employed at Gadsden State since 2015, when she accepted a position as an English instructor. She later accepted the director position of Cardinal Tutoring Centers and was promoted to Division Chair of Languages and Humanities in 2019. Before transitioning to higher education, Hayes taught English and Spanish for Etowah County and Piedmont City Schools.
Hayes holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish and a Master of Science in Education of English Language Arts from Jacksonville State University. In 2010, she earned an educational specialist designation from JSU. In 2021, she completed her doctoral degree in Developmental Education Administration from Sam Houston State University. She and her husband Justin Hayes reside in Gadsden.
With its first director named and more funding received, the center is poised to become an asset for the county and surrounding areas.
“The local support of this unique STEM education facility and its mission makes Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama an ideal partner for the Alabama Power Foundation,” said Terry Smiley, Vice President, Eastern Division, Alabama Power. “We are committed to assisting with developing a highly qualified workforce that will be the foundation of the economic development efforts throughout this area. This center will serve as a regional STEM resource for all students in northeast Alabama.”
This funding will allow the center to expand its innovative STEM programs and hands-on learning opportunities for middle-school students from the 12-county service area. Working with the school systems to address learning gaps, Challenger Learning Center experiences ignite students’ interest in STEM learning and encourage the pursuit of STEM careers. With the support of the Alabama Power Foundation, Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama aims to create engaging and interactive educational opportunities that will inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, inventors and leaders.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Alabama Power Foundation for their support,” said Tony Smith, Chair of the Advisory Council for Challenger Learning Center. “This grant will enable us to further our goal of making STEM education accessible and exciting for all students. We are committed to fostering curiosity and a love for learning, and this funding will help us achieve that goal.”
The future Challenger Learning Center will be located in Rainbow City and will join a network of more than 30 Challenger Learning Centers across 24 states that has reached more than 6 million students worldwide. Challenger Learning Centers offer a variety of hands-on STEM programs, with the core being its simulated space-themed missions in the fully immersive learning environment. Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama will serve students in Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, Talladega and Jefferson counties and surrounding areas.
