Innovate Alabama is deepening its commitment to fostering innovation and workforce development in rural communities through the launch of two pilot programs: the Alabama Cybersecurity Fellowship and the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program.

“By launching the Alabama Cybersecurity Fellowship and expanding the CEO Program into new communities, Innovate Alabama is actively creating pathways for rural students to access high-demand STEM and entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Shannon Allen, who leads Innovate Alabama’s talent development pillar. “These initiatives not only equip students with essential skills but also foster a sense of belonging and purpose within their local economies, ensuring that talent is nurtured and retained within our state.”

Innovate Alabama is partnering with Decatur-Morgan CEO to expand the CEO program into four additional communities. This program has operated in Decatur and Madison for the past several years. Using Midland Institute’s curriculum, CEO is a year-long, tuition-free course designed for high school students with entrepreneurial aspirations.

The students start a business, both individually and as a class, while receiving course credit. Unlike traditional classroom settings, students meet daily in local businesses, immersing themselves in the realities of business operations, leadership challenges and problem-solving in real time.

Innovate Alabama is leading the expansion of CEO programs in key communities across the state, including Athens. These programs will nurture entrepreneurial talent in rural Alabama, where workforce development is critical to long-term economic sustainability. Some of Alabama’s best entrepreneurs are in local schools, and Innovate Alabama wants to help them see what their hometowns have to offer.

“It’s more than just an educational experience — it’s an economic development tool that helps drive local growth,” said Maegan Schwindling, facilitator of Decatur-Morgan CEO. “By immersing students in the local business ecosystem and challenging them to start their own ventures, CEO fosters a deep connection to their hometowns.

“Many choose to stay in their hometowns or return after pursuing secondary education, contributing to the Alabama economy and bringing fresh ideas to communities, ultimately driving sustainable growth from within.”

With an increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals nationwide, Innovate Alabama has also partnered with Advantage Consulting & Solutions (ACAS) to pilot the Alabama Cybersecurity Fellowship in south Alabama.

This semester-long program is designed to provide Computer Information Systems (CIS) students from local community colleges with paid, work-based learning opportunities in cybersecurity and information technology. Students will receive stipends and gain exposure to real-world applications of cybersecurity principles within the Department of Defense and corporate environments.

The program was recently launched in partnership with Enterprise State Community College, Trenholm State Community College and Wallace Community College, with plans for expansion statewide.

“The Alabama Cybersecurity Fellowship provides students with hands-on experience that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application,” said Kelvin Seldon, director of the Alabama Cybersecurity Fellowship. “Through this initiative, students will gain insight into cybersecurity best practices and develop the skills needed to support critical industries. This program not only enhances career opportunities for Alabama’s students but also ensures that our state remains competitive in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.”

By partnering on these two initiatives, Innovate Alabama is reinforcing its mission to create opportunities for students in rural areas to explore high-growth career fields. The Alabama Cybersecurity Fellowship and CEO Program serve as strategic investments in the state’s future workforce, ensuring that rural students have access to the same opportunities as those in urban centers.

For more information, visit http://innovatealabama.org/talent/