Flight Works Alabama, Airbus partner to expand STEAM access in South Alabama

As the US Manufacturing Facility marks its 11th anniversary in Mobile, Flight Works Alabama (FWA) and Airbus have announced a collaborative partnership to inspire South Alabama’s youth and show that careers in aerospace and advanced manufacturing are possible at home.

Brings hands-on STEAM to local classrooms 

The “Imagine What’s Possible” initiative will combine career exposure with hands-on technical learning to ensure financial or logistical hurdles do not hold students back from achieving their full potential. The initiative will achieve this by allowing students to:

• “See What’s Possible” through interactive field trips to FWA and final assembly line tours at the US Manufacturing Facility for 5th-, 7th-, and 9th-grade cohorts in Mobile and Baldwin counties.
• “Experience What’s Possible” through a STEAM curriculum, with Airbus and FWA giving schools fully funded access to the We Build It Better and We Will Build It Better experiential learning programs.
• “Access What’s Possible” through an educational fund created by FWA to cover essential operational costs and sponsor key community events to ensure equal access to transformative educational opportunities for those who need it most.

"Our goal is to ensure that every student in our community has the access and encouragement needed to pursue an advanced manufacturing path, whether in aerospace or another local industry," said Daryl Taylor, SVP of Commercial Aircraft Operations for Airbus in the US. "With our community and elected officials doing their part to bring quality jobs to South Alabama, we want to empower all students to 'imagine what's possible' and see themselves in these rewarding manufacturing careers for decades to come."

Community partnerships bridge classrooms with industry careers 

As Alabama’s largest district with approximately 50,000 students, Mobile County Public Schools (MCPS) plays a vital role in bringing this vision to life. By bridging classroom learning with real-world career pathways, MCPS ensures transformative STEAM opportunities reach students throughout the region. 

“Our goal is to make sure every student leaves Mobile County Public Schools prepared for college or career,” said Chresal D. Threadgill, Superintendent of Mobile County Public Schools. “Programs like ‘Imagine What’s Possible’ give our students an opportunity to take what they are learning in the classroom and see how it connects to careers and opportunities in the real world. We appreciate our community partners for investing in our students and helping them see the possibilities for their futures.”

Pillans Middle School students participating in hands-on STEAM activities Day 1 at Aerospace Clubhouse

Further extending this outreach beyond the traditional school day, Flight Works Alabama and Airbus have partnered to support the new Aerospace Clubhouse at Pillans Middle School, operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Alabama. The clubhouse provides middle school students with an interactive, after-school learning space featuring tailored STEAM activities, mentorship from aerospace professionals, and practical technical exercises.  

"Flight Works Alabama and Airbus are joining forces to break down access barriers and connect classroom learning with real-world industry applications across Mobile and Baldwin counties," said Mary Frances Clarke, Managing Director of Flight Works Alabama. "By introducing students to dynamic STEAM environments early, we provide crucial exposure to rewarding manufacturing and technical careers in our region. This partnership isn't just about building aerospace talent; it's about empowering local students with multiple pathways to success and driving the long-term economic growth of our entire community."