ICAMS’ Bird Inc. program impacts more than 100 Alabama schools
Published: Jun 3, 2026 11:30 AM
By Carla Nelson
To end the school year, the program recently visited schools across the state.
Throughout the 2025-26 school year, Bird Inc., the middle school manufacturing outreach initiative led by the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS), made an impact on students across Alabama by connecting classroom learning to careers in manufacturing, engineering and STEM fields.
To end the school year, the program recently visited schools across the state, including Russellville Middle School, Cullman Middle School, Falkville High School, Madison Academy, Wilson High School, Centre Middle School and Cottonwood High School.
Through hands-on workshops and presentations, students were introduced to the possibilities within modern manufacturing while learning how creativity, problem-solving and technical skills can shape future career opportunities.
At Cottonwood High School, seventh grader Payley Beaudet was inspired by the experience.
“I was really inspired by the presentation and the thought that the choices we make have an influence on what we will do as adults,” she said. “It really made me think about if I was wasting time when I could be doing something that will improve my opportunities after school. It just really made me think about my choices.”
Russellville Middle School science and STEM teacher Alannah Hill said the presentation left a lasting impression on students.
“Our students enjoyed the presentation, and I think they took home some valuable life lessons,” Hill said.
At Centre Middle School, Jennifer Bright, career coach for Cherokee County Schools, praised the program’s ability to connect everyday experiences with career pathways.
“As a career coach, I am always looking for meaningful experiences that truly connect classroom learning to real-world careers, and this presentation did exactly that,” Bright said.
Bright highlighted how Bird Inc. presenter Leigh Bramlett shared stories from her childhood, such as baking cakes in the kitchen and watching her father work in manufacturing, to demonstrate how STEM concepts are present in everyday life.
“She helped students see that even something as familiar as baking a cake involves science, technology, engineering, art and math,” Bright said. “Most inspiring of all, Leigh shared how she is now the CEO of the very manufacturing business her father started.”
Since 2025, Bird Inc. has reached 24 counties, visited 100 unique schools and engaged 13,186 Alabama middle school students through 665 workshops and presentations.
Media Contact: , carla@auburn.edu, 334-844-1404
