Discover How Bettsie Norton and Alabama School for Math & Science Are Elevating Education in the State – Yellowhammer News

In Alabama, we love celebrating our champions—whether they’re college sports teams, the bustling Space Command headquarters in Huntsville, or our Miss America contestants. We’re fortunate to live in a state filled with pride and successes. As the state legislative session begins this spring, it’s crucial for our leaders to remember our unsung heroes in education, particularly when it comes to funding high-quality schooling for our kids.

One of these vital institutions is the Alabama School for Math and Science (ASMS). This school provides a top-notch education for students from all over Alabama, helping to build a strong workforce in high-demand fields like medicine, engineering, and research. With a unique curriculum, ASMS is creating a pipeline of talented individuals who will contribute significantly to our economy.

Recently, Niche ranked ASMS as Alabama’s Best Public High School for 2025. They highlighted the school’s advanced courses, its residential learning environment, and the leadership opportunities available for students. With nearly 300 gifted kids from 57 counties, it’s worth noting that 58% of them qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Data shows that 75% of ASMS graduates go on to attend Alabama universities, and 65% stay in the state after completing their education. Since opening in 1989, ASMS has graduated over 3,000 students, many of whom are now leaders in STEM fields right here in Alabama.

To prepare students for future careers, ASMS offers specialized tracks like the Advanced Engineering Initiative, Medical Sciences Pathway, and Research Fellows programs. These align perfectly with Alabama’s workforce needs, as outlined in the “Catalyst” strategic plan by the Alabama Department of Commerce. This plan focuses on key sectors such as bioscience and technology, ensuring students are ready for tomorrow’s jobs.

With the city of Mobile projected to hire over 1,000 engineers in the next decade, and many graduates seeking tech jobs in Huntsville, ASMS serves as an essential starting point for building our future workforce.

The school has recently seen an incredible surge in interest, receiving 500 applications—the highest ever. Unfortunately, they had to create a waiting list and turn down many qualified candidates. Given the value ASMS brings to Alabama’s economy, shouldn’t we consider expanding its capacity? Adding more residential halls, a gym, and hiring additional teachers could allow even more bright young minds to excel.

While some may hesitate to support additional funding for these expansions, investing in ASMS is a smart move for our future. More students will receive excellent education, secure internships with local companies, and fill high-demand jobs, ultimately contributing to Alabama’s tax base. This investment would pay off significantly in the long run.

We often discuss workforce development in Alabama, and initiatives like the Alabama Workforce Transition Act aim to streamline efforts in this area. However, real change starts in our secondary schools. While we rightfully celebrate industrial trades, we must also support institutions that prepare our future doctors, engineers, and scientists. ASMS stands out as a clear winner in this arena.

For Alabama to truly commit to workforce development, I urge our state leaders to recognize the achievements of ASMS and ensure it receives the necessary funding and support. By doing so, we can help nurture a new generation of highly educated workers ready to fill critical jobs in our state’s STEM industries.

Bettsie Norton is a former executive for Airbus and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Alabama School for Math and Science.