Huntsville City Schools held a special ceremony on Friday to celebrate and recognize the ongoing partnership the school system has with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center. CCDC AvMC provides funding that enables the enhancement of HCS Career Tech programs with regard to advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing, advanced machining, and robotics/automation.
Dr. Juanita M. Christensen, CCDC AvMC Director, was on-hand for the event and stated that “it allows us to really develop a partnership for the workforce [of] tomorrow.” She went on to add, “It allows us to work with our school partners in looking at technologies and career tracks that will benefit them in working and supporting the Army mission.”
HCS Superintendent Christie Finley said that the relationship would continue to drive the “teaching and building of necessary skillsets to enter the workforce – workforce ready.
The ceremony also served as a launch point for the introduction of curricula and technologies aimed at the middle school level, technology education and exposure for educators, and a reinforced emphasis on cultivating workforce development opportunities in support of Army modernization and the north Alabama advanced manufacturing sector.
“I think it’s very exciting,” said Grissom High Senior Nathan Eckenrode, “I’m looking forward to having more machines and equipment for the younger people to use.”
This will mark the fourth year the school system and CCDC AvMC have been engaged in the mutually beneficial relationship.