Transforming Education: How an Alabama School Leads the Way with Cybersecurity and Engineering Programs – Yellowhammer News

The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) is a unique high school focused on cyber technology and engineering. It’s the first public residential magnet high school in the U.S. that specializes solely in these fields. Located in North Alabama, ASCTE offers students an advanced education that mixes modern cyber and engineering topics into everyday learning.

ASCTE is tuition-free and welcomes students from all over Alabama. It aims to meet the growing need for skilled professionals in the tech and engineering sectors. With a strong focus on preparing students for their future careers, the school employs knowledgeable faculty who bring experience from both industry and academia. Students learn valuable skills in subjects like technical writing, social engineering, and even participate in drone racing.

The curriculum combines tough academic work with hands-on experiences, creating a vibrant learning environment for more than 300 students: 120 of whom live on campus. This mix of classroom learning and practical application helps foster a deeper understanding of STEM subjects.

Graduates of ASCTE often credit their success to the rich education and experiences they gain while there. The school encourages students to dive deeper into STEM, build work-ready skills, and connect with industry professionals.

Kyra Richardson, who now studies Integrative Biology at Harvard, recalls how ASCTE shaped her future. She was introduced to the school by a middle school teacher and knew it was too good to pass up. “My classes opened my eyes to careers I hadn’t considered before. The coding skills I learned helped me become a Python coding teacher for middle school students globally. ASCTE gave me the confidence to pursue computer science,” she said.

Jackson Van Rider, a Tufts University student, describes his time at ASCTE as transformative. He appreciated the resources available at ASCTE compared to his previous high school. “I was engaged and challenged, which helped me realize my potential,” he shared.

Javen Bies-Dupree, a sophomore at the University of Alabama, values the real-world experiences he gained at ASCTE. He interned with Raytheon and the U.S. Army, which helped him clarify his career goals before even graduating high school.

Living on campus adds another layer to the ASCTE experience. For many students, the residential life promotes personal growth and prepares them for future independence. Jackson reflected on how boarding school taught him responsibility and self-discipline. Kyra echoed similar sentiments, saying that living on campus eased her transition to college life. “I learned how to be a good roommate and how to adjust to being away from home. The friendships I made were vital,” she added.

Javen highlighted that living with others helped him build important life skills, such as communication and conflict resolution. “Those lessons stay with me today,” he noted.

ASCTE is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year, with the deadline set for February 7, 2025. For students keen on exploring the fields of cyber technology and engineering, this is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative program.

To learn more about admissions and the unique offerings at ASCTE, visit ASCTE Admissions.