Advancing Cyber Concepts and Engineer Learning (ACCEL)
"ACCEL gave our students an opportunity to dive into cyber and engineering projects beyond what they would normally experience here. For two days they engaged in hands-on problem solving with technology. Without this program our kids simply wouldn’t have access to this type of learning and exposure. We appreciate ASCTE for visiting Winston County!"
Haley Batchelor
Double Springs Middle School Counselor
At ACCEL, we are redefining the future of education by bringing hands-on STEM experiences, cutting-edge curriculum, and expert training directly to schools and educators across the state. Through Outreach and Engagement (STEM Labs), Teacher Training (Professional Development), and Curriculum Development (Aligned to ALSDE Course of Study), we are equipping students and teachers with the skills they need to thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Making an Impact
From bustling classrooms to hands-on learning labs, ACCEL is reaching schools across Alabama, ensuring that students have access to high-quality education in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and STEM fields. Our efforts are creating real change:
- 50+ schools impacted across dozens of partner districts
- Hundreds of students introduced to emerging tech fields
- Educators trained in Cyber, A.I., and STEM best practices
- Development of innovative curriculum for ALSDE’s A.I. course
2024 - 2025 School Year Partners
In the current school year alone, ACCEL has taken 11 trips, spending 19 days working alongside students and teachers in 8 school districts and 16 middle schools across Alabama. With every visit, we see the excitement of students discovering new career possibilities in technology. Currently, approximately 160 students have participated in our programs, with projections to reach 240 students by the end of the 2024-25 school year
Some of the districts we’ve partnered with since the program began include:
Oneonta City Schools
Etowah County Schools
Cullman County Schools
Elmore County Schools
Opp City Schools
Winston County Schools
Jackson County Schools
Clarke County Schools
Bullock County Schools
Investing in Educators
We know that sustainable change starts with teachers. That’s why ACCEL provides targeted professional development designed to empower educators with the latest in Cyber, A.I., and STEM instruction. So far, we have hosted three on-campus professional development sessions at ASCTE, serving teachers from five different school districts.
Shaping the Future
The demand for technology and engineering expertise is growing—and we’re ensuring Alabama’s students are ready to meet it. Whether it’s through hands-on learning experiences, teacher training, or curriculum development, ACCEL is committed to building a brighter future for students across the state. In addition to this year's partners, we have worked with systems in
Join us in bringing the future of learning to classrooms statewide.
Dylan Bunnell
ACCEL Coordinator
Amy Mason
ACCEL Director