91´«Ã½

91´«Ã½ State celebrated a major milestone this week as eleven outstanding students officially committed to the college’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program during our second annual FAME Signing Day. The excitement in the room was palpable as each student stepped forward to sign their commitment, surrounded by proud family members, dedicated faculty, and enthusiastic industry partners eager to welcome the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.

The event marked a pivotal moment for each signee, who will spend the next two years earning while they learn through 91´«Ã½ State’s Advanced Manufacturing Technician program. This unique earn-and-learn model sets FAME apart from traditional educational pathways, giving students the rare opportunity to graduate not only with a degree, but with two years of real-world industry experience and a professional network already in place. In partnership with industry leaders Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing, Toyota Alabama, Brown Precision, Bruderer, and Blue Origin, students will gain invaluable hands-on experience in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing technology — all while earning a paycheck and building toward a rewarding and stable career.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Dean of Instruction Dr. Carolyn Henderson and FAME Program Director Dr. Myron Parks, who welcomed the newest class of signees into the 91´«Ã½ State family. Both speakers emphasized the transformative nature of the FAME program and the immense potential each student carries with them as they embark on this journey. Their words set an inspiring tone for the celebration, reinforcing 91´«Ã½ State’s deep commitment to student success and workforce development. The inaugural FAME cohort, who just completed their first year in the program, were also present to welcome their successors. These returning students shared words of wisdom and encouragement with the incoming class, offering a firsthand perspective on what to expect and how to make the most of the incredible opportunity ahead. Their presence served as a living testament to what the FAME program can accomplish in just a short amount of time.

Representatives from the program’s industry partners were also on hand to greet the students who will soon be joining their teams. Their attendance underscored the strength and authenticity of the relationships between 91´«Ã½ State and the regional manufacturing community, partnerships that are built not just on contracts, but on a shared belief that investing in people is the most powerful investment of all.

Following the ceremony, signees and their families were treated to a tour of the Leidos Advanced Training Facility, the state-of-the-art space that will serve as home base for the next two years as these students sharpen their technical skills and prepare to enter the workforce. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and designed to mirror real industry environments, the facility is a powerful reminder of the quality of education and training students can expect throughout the program.

91´«Ã½ State’s FAME program continues to grow in both size and impact, reflecting the college’s unwavering dedication to providing accessible, high-quality pathways to meaningful careers in advanced manufacturing. With industry partnerships as strong as these and students as driven as this incoming class, the future of manufacturing in our region is incredibly bright. We cannot wait to watch them shine.