The Saban Center, a first-of-its-kind campus seamlessly merging STEM and the arts, has announced a $251,939.59 investment from the Alabama STEM Council of the Alabama Department of Workforce. This funding will expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students and educators across the region.
“The Alabama STEM Council has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of young people across our state,” said Audrey Buck, executive director of the Saban Center. “We are incredibly grateful for this investment and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on generations to come in Tuscaloosa.”
The funding will support:
- Professional Development: Conference and workshop participation for hub staff to bring new ideas and best practices into their programs.
- Programmatic materials: Hands-on supplies for STEM programming and outreach materials that help reach more students and families.
- Curriculum development: New STEM curriculum and learning experiences for students and educators.
- Staffing support: Support for the staff who deliver STEM programs, including related supplies and travel.
The Saban Center, along with the McWane Science Center in Birmingham and the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur are the three state-designated STEM Hubs. The Alabama STEM Council works to expand access to STEM learning and connects educational opportunities with regional workforce needs.
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About Saban Center
The Saban Center is a first-of-its-kind learning and discovery campus in downtown Tuscaloosa, created through a visionary public–private partnership led by Coach Nick Saban and Ms. Terry Saban, the City of Tuscaloosa, and the State of Alabama. Opening in Spring 2028, the Center will offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and cultivate leadership in students and educators across Alabama. The campus will unite the State of Alabama STEM Hub, Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, and IGNITE, formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum, to create a dynamic environment where arts, education, discovery, and innovation come together to prepare the future workforce. To learn more, visit sabancenter.org.
About the Alabama STEM Council
The Alabama STEM Council, part of the Alabama Department of Workforce, works with education, industry and community partners to expand STEM learning and connect students and educators with Alabama’s workforce needs. Learn more at stemcouncil.alabama.gov.