STEM-Focused School in Alabama Receives $1M Donation From Leidos

Engineering company Leidos has donated money for the construction of a new academic and residential facility in Alabama.

The $1 million donation is dedicated to bringing advancements to the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering in Huntsville.

ASCTE is one of the three public magnet high schools that serve students across the state of Alabama, Leidos said.

In its press release announcing the donation, the Reston, Virginia-headquartered company emphasized that the funding is a demonstration of its dedication to supporting science, technology, engineering and math education on behalf of Alabaman students.

In a statement, Chairman and CEO Roger Krone said that Leidos takes pride in investing in Huntsville’s future and supporting Alabama’s pioneering technology.

“We’re excited to be part of this effort, providing students with the education and skills they need to thrive,” said Krone, a member of the Potomac Officers Club and recipient of the 2021 Wash100 Award.

The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering seeks to encourage students of varying backgrounds to pursue STEM education. Female students comprise 37 percent of the school population, while 35 percent are African American.

ASCTE works to ensure that all students get “high levels of learning” in terms of embedding cyber protections into the life cycle of engineering activities.

The institution allows students to gain insights through field experience, internships and cooperative learning to help them prepare for post-secondary education and workforce settings.

According to Leidos, the school’s mission is “critical” in meeting the needs of the existing and future workforce in cyber-focused fields.