ONE East Alabama, a recently established economic development organization representing nine counties, has joined forces with CREATE, EARTH and the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama to create new opportunities for students and workers throughout the region.
The collaboration spans Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair, Tallapoosa and Talladega counties. ONE East Alabama Executive Director Kelley Pearce said the effort will prioritize both economic growth and equitable access to workforce resources — especially in smaller communities that have historically lacked such support.
“This collaboration is not just about building a workforce — it’s about building a future,” Pearce said. “By leveraging the innovative work of CREATE, EARTH and the Challenger Learning Center, we are establishing a comprehensive economic ecosystem that prepares our students for high-paying careers, supports our local industries, and attracts investment into our communities.”
CAREER TRAINING AND INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS
CREATE, which stands for Choccolocco Research, Education and Technical Experience, is based in Oxford and is directed by Lorie Denton. The program began at Oxford High School but is expanding to serve 16 additional high schools starting this August. It provides hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials in fields such as aviation, cybersecurity, robotics and criminal justice.
INNOVATION HUB ANCHORS RURAL TRAINING
In Sylacauga, the East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub (EARTH) is repurposing the former Avondale Mills complex into a center for workforce development, entrepreneurship and innovation. Led by Margaret Morton, the EARTH campus will focus on industries including agriculture, healthcare, information technology and manufacturing.
The initiative includes support services such as transportation, early childcare and job placement assistance for adult learners. With partners such as Innovate Alabama and Shipshape AgWorks, EARTH aims to connect rural workers with training and resources to succeed.
STEM-FOCUSED LEARNING FOR STUDENTS
The Challenger Learning Center, located in Rainbow City, will deliver immersive, space-themed STEM experiences to more than 40,000 students in 12 counties. Executive Director Dr. Farrah Hayes said the center is focused on engaging middle school students, with plans to expand into other grade levels.
The center’s programming includes space missions, microcredentialing in STEM subjects, and collaborations with higher education institutions. The goal is to supplement traditional education while introducing students to high-tech career paths.
'A SYSTEM WHERE EVERYONE CAN SUCCEED'
The joint effort seeks to build a workforce pipeline that stays rooted in the region while preparing students and workers to compete globally. Pearce said the goal is to eliminate obstacles that prevent people from accessing education and job training.
“Our unified mission is to remove barriers and create a system where every student and adult in northeast Alabama has access to training, education, and the tools to succeed,” she said. “This is about preparing our people for the jobs of today and tomorrow — right here at home.”
© 2025 The Anniston Star (Anniston, Ala.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
