ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — Students at the newly opened Albertville Innovation Academy will have the opportunity to explore careers in welding, robotics, and more as the school aims to equip them with skills for a rapidly changing workforce.
On Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey joined local officials and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the academy, which serves grades 9-12 and currently has an enrollment of over 500 students. Principal Tyler Reeves expressed enthusiasm for the facility's unique approach to education.
"The creation stems from the changing world we live in, workforce development, and the need for an educational system that acknowledges multiple paths for students," Reeves said.
The academy focuses on career and technical education, offering hands-on experiences in fields such as welding, cybersecurity, and health sciences. The goal is to ensure students are competitive in the job market while also preparing them for higher education.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey highlighted the importance of practical skills in today’s job market.
“Whether students want to attend a two-year college, a four-year college, enter the workforce, or join the military, employers consistently tell us they need individuals with basic academic skills who can think critically, work together, and build projects. That’s what we see here at the Innovation Center,” Mackey said.
The school has an application-based admission process to manage growth effectively in the coming years. This approach aims to ensure that every student has access to quality education and resources tailored to their needs.