This week, State Sen. Arthur Orr from Decatur joined Frank Cilluffo on the “Cyber Focus” podcast. Cilluffo is the director of the McCrary Institute at Auburn University. They both serve on the Board of Trustees for the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE).
Along with Matt Massey, the school’s president, they talked about how ASCTE is tackling a major issue: getting students ready for jobs that are vital for our nation’s defense and future innovation.
ASCTE is the only tuition-free high school in the U.S. focused on combining cyber technology and engineering across all subjects. It operates as a public, residential magnet school for students from all over Alabama.
The school’s unique approach has gained national recognition, even being featured on NBC News Now’s “The Future of Everything.”
At ASCTE, students wrap up their high school education in three years. In the fourth year, they gain hands-on experience by working with government agencies or defense contractors.
Recently, the school partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Jared Mitchem from TVA highlighted the importance of cybersecurity for the power grid, stating, “TVA has a comprehensive cybersecurity program to predict, protect, detect, and respond to cyber threats.”
He went on to express pride in collaborating with ASCTE to equip students for the future.
The school was funded by legislation passed in 2018 and opened its doors in 2020. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels also sits on the Board of Trustees.
The school has seen growth in its graduation numbers, starting with 17 graduates in its first year, growing to 65, and now aiming for around 90 each year.
Currently, ASCTE has 367 students enrolled from 81 different cities and towns across Alabama.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who often guest hosts radio shows throughout the state. Reach her at aprylmarie.fogel@1819news.com or follow her on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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ARTHUR ORR, AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Frank Cilluffo, Matt Massey, Auburn University’s McCrary Institute, Cybersecurity, Alabama News
