Bridging the future of work to Alabama & beyond
The Alabama Digital Education Network (ADEN) represents a significant new initiative to grow digitally fluent learners, provide workforce opportunities, and drive economic growth across Alabama, with a focus on the underserved areas of Alabama’s Black Belt and River Region. This transformative initiative builds on the programming Ed Farm has established over the past five years, creating vibrant community spaces centered around technology and innovation.
Powered through partnerships, ADEN will leverage Ed Farm's proven expertise in digital education; Apple's cutting-edge technology and Swift coding resources; and Alabama's expanding broadband network. Anchored by a brand new facility in downtown Montgomery, ADEN will feature a series of connected technology hubs across Alabama’s Blackbelt to support workforce training and digital skills development for young adult and adult learners.
Leading-edge programs that prepare adult learners with essential digital skills
Tech-enabled learning spaces that create an optimized environment for digital skills training
High-speed connectivity that supports the network of learning spaces in Alabama's rural "Black Belt" region
Apple Foundation is a free 8-week program that provides 80 hours of learning focused on iOS app development fundamentals, design thinking, and digital literacy skills. Participants engage in Challenge-Based Learning while working collaboratively and maintaining ownership of their intellectual property, with the goal of creating functional apps or app prototypes – with no prior coding experience required.
The Apple Foundation curriculum is designed to address skills needed in the app economy and includes the following areas:
Ed Farm’s year-long fellowship that equips adult learners with the skills and training needed to launch successful careers in technology. Through exposure to tech career pathways, targeted digital skills training, and personalized career coaching, participants are prepared for both current and emerging opportunities. Our holistic approach supports every aspect of their journey, from enhancing online presence to mastering interview techniques, empowering participants to confidently achieve their career goals.
The physical anchors for ADEN are a network of learning centers in the Black Belt region of Alabama. These broadband-powered Ed Farm Spaces will create the ideal learning environment for programming and opportunities.
Delivering a digital learning experience at scale will be made possible with Alabama Power’s connectivity infrastructure. This partnership advances workforce development and educational opportunities for learners across rural Alabama.
ADEN grows digitally fluent learners, provides workforce opportunities, and drives economic growth across Alabama.
