Institute for Digital Enterprise Advancement to direct funding for students and employers in North Alabama.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala — Congressman Robert Aderholt recently announced funding for 14 projects in the 4th District and North Alabama, including $1.2 million to the Institute for Digital Enterprise and Advancement. The funds specifically support students and partner employers participating in a new Systems Engineering Technology-focused degree offered through Alabama Community Colleges. “Systems and digital engineering increase efficiencies and effectiveness in the critical defense and aerospace manufacturing arenas that are so important to our North Alabama economy,” said Aderholt. “I’m happy to support IDEA in delivering a new engineering technician and modeling role to elevate American manufacturing while benefiting industry, career-seeking citizens and federal agencies they seek to serve.”
According to Chris Crumbly, executive director of IDEA, the project brings a new work/learn program to rural communities in North Alabama. “The SET two-year program provides a low cost, accelerated entry into the high-tech field of engineering,” said Crumbly.
The SET program is one of a dozen skills imperative projects supported by the Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program. The National Imperative for Industrial Skills initiative was launched in March 2020 to address the DoD’s most pressing industrial workforce development challenges and gaps, with long-term, strategic benefits for both economic and national security.
Currently offered at Calhoun Community College, SET will launch at Wallace State Community College this fall. Plans for additional community college sites are underway.
