Alabama State Board of Education Launches Virtual Learning Experiences

The Alabama State Department of Education proudly announced its new partnership with "Be Pro Be Proud", an initiative aimed at helping students explore, plan, and launch careers in high-demand technical professions.

On Feb. 13, 2025, the ALSDE officially launches its new Alabama Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop Tour, featuring the Be Pro Be Proud Truck that provides students with the opportunity to learn about various careers and trades on site.

This virtual experience, which takes up the entire space of a full-sized semi-truck trailer, promises to be a rewarding learning opportunity for Alabama students.

This state-of-the-art virtual jobsite allows students to try different simulations that gives them a glimpse into career possibilities that many would otherwise not have the opportunity to explore.

The experience will make stops at schools across Alabama. Students, parents, and members of the community will have a chance to be inspired as they explore various in-demand career choices.

Eric Mackey, State Superintendent of Education, said this innovative program will connect students with in-demand career choices, through an immersive mobile workshop experience. It will allow them to work and learn alongside top educators and industry professionals, through individualized training and activities.

“As Alabama’s job market continues to evolve, the need for skilled workers across the state has become more critical than ever,” Mackey said. “This new initiative will meet students where they are, bridging the gap not only by connecting high school students with jobs, but by also allowing younger students to explore potential career pathways. We’re eager to see how this partnership will address workforce needs in Alabama and help students identify careers and interests that are vital in today’s in-demand job market."

Alabama’s Be Pro Be Proud initiative will allow students, especially those in very rural areas of the state, to actively learn more about in-demand careers. Some of the high-paying and in-demand career areas that students will learn about during the Alabama Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop Tour include advanced manufacturing, agriculture, construction, digital technology, teaching and education, healthcare, national supply chain and transportation, and the utilities industry.

This initiative is expected to positively impact Alabama’s economic growth, technological advancement, and long term national competitiveness by enhancing local workforce development efforts and programs.

It promises to provide Alabama’s students and communities with great learning experiences via dynamic virtual and augmented reality simulator presentation, with each experience focused on allowing students to actively explore their personal career choices and future options.

This innovative initiative will also allow students to explore the real benefits of participating in career and technical education, STEM programs, and college-level workforce initiatives.

Under the leadership of the Alabama State Board of Education, the ALSDE has placed even greater focus on K-12 student workforce preparation and college readiness.

A new and innovative state requirement will go into effect soon, starting with the graduating Class of 2026, which will require all Alabama students to earn a College and Career Readiness (CCR) credential before high school graduation.

To learn more about Alabama’s innovative Be Pro Be Proud program, contact ALSDE Assistant State Superintendent Dodd Hawthorne at dodd.hawthorne@alsde.edu