Mobile Area Education Foundation

🎓 Celebrating the MAEF Workforce Center Class of 2025–2026 🎓

This year, 130 young adults took a bold step toward a brighter future through the MAEF Workforce Center, and we were honored to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025–2026 at our Completion Ceremony.

The MAEF Workforce Center is more than a training program—it's a pathway to opportunity. Through workforce readiness and industry-aligned training, participants gain the skills, credentials, and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers and continued education. Programs include Essential Skills Training, GED and High School Diploma completion, Healthcare/CNA training, Maritime, Manufacturing, Aviation, Logistics, Information Technology, Childcare, and other high-demand career pathways.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the leaders who inspired and encouraged our participants during this special celebration, including Mobile City Councilman Cory Penn, Pastor Marvin Lue, Jr., MAEF Board Chair Robert McGinley, and Bryant Bradley of Bishop State Community College. Your words reinforced the power of perseverance, purpose, and community support.

A special thank you to our MAEF Board of Directors, community partners, employers, educators, mentors, and dedicated staff whose commitment makes this work possible every day. Together, we are helping young adults overcome barriers, earn credentials, build careers, and create lasting economic mobility for themselves, their families, and our community.

To the Class of 2025–2026: your determination, resilience, and hard work have brought you to this milestone. We celebrate all you have accomplished and look forward to the impact you will make in the years ahead.

Learn more about the MAEF Workforce Center and how we're building Mobile's future workforce at [www.maef.net](http://www.maef.net).

What a great way to close out the year.
The I-Lead Student Advisory Board celebrated an incredible year together at Topgolf, reflecting on the impact, leadership, and memories made throughout the 2025–2026 school year. From planning meaningful events to uplifting youth voices across Mobile County, this group has continued to lead with purpose and passion.
Congratulations to our award winners:
Caroline Midgette (McGill-Toolen) — Legacy Leader of the Year
Chandler Thomas (UMS-Wright) — Legacy Leader of the Year
Claire Midgette (McGill-Toolen) — Rising Leader of the Year
Thank you to every SAB member for the dedication, creativity, and leadership you brought this year. Your work continues to make a difference in our schools and community, and we are excited to see what’s ahead for I-Lead.
You too can make a difference. Continue the legacy by applying to join the Student Advisory Board for the 2026–2027 school year at the link in our bio.

Our April MAEF Newsletter is here!
Catch up on what our programs are up to across the community, upcoming events, and how we’re continuing to support student success together.
Read it here: https://conta.cc/4wIhVPx

💙 Nurse Appreciation Week 💙
School and community nurses play a vital role in supporting student success.
By helping young people stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn, they make a lasting impact on both our schools and our community.
At MAEF, we recognize and appreciate the nurses who care for our students every day.

🍎 Teacher Appreciation Week 🍎
This week, we’re celebrating the teachers across Mobile County who show up for students every day.
From encouraging students to helping them grow and succeed, teachers make a lasting difference both in and out of the classroom.
We’re thankful for all they do for young people in our community.

MAEF thanks Alabama Power for its continued support and commitment to advancing the success of our youth. Their partnership helps open doors to opportunities and strengthens our community’s future.

The I-LEAD Youth Student Advisory Board is accepting applications beginning April 15.
This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to collaborate, represent your peers, and create meaningful change for youth across Mobile County.
We are seeking rising high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate initiative, leadership potential, and a commitment to making an impact.
Applications open April 15 and close May 22.
Apply here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFLiiRfvvs0GCkxstIg-R2QhvEQ_VEcx_ljwZcjW045kWMhw/viewform?usp=dialog

Grateful for a powerful day at the I-Lead Youth Summit this past Thursday

A special thank you to Commissioner Merceria Ludgood for serving as our sponsor and championing opportunities for our young people. We were also honored to have Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis join us in support of Mobile’s future leaders.

This day would not have been possible without the leadership and vision of the MAEF Student Advisory Board, who played a major role in planning and bringing this summit to life.

And to all the schools and students who showed up, engaged, and led with purpose — this summit was for YOU. Your voices, ideas, and energy are what drive this work forward.