The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) announced on Monday that Radiance Technologies, located at 310 Bob Heath Drive in Cummings Research Park, has donated $500,000 toward the construction of the school’s permanent educational and residential facilities.

ASCTE is currently housed at 7000 Adventist Blvd. on the Oakwood University campus and will open the doors on its new permanent campus at the corner of Bradford Drive and Wynn Drive in August 2022 as it begins its third year of operation.

ASCTE is the nation’s only high school focused on the integration of cyber technology and engineering into all academic disciplines. It is a public, residential magnet school that welcomes high school students from across Alabama and offers a unique curriculum that exposes them to cyber technology and engineering throughout the school’s course of study. Tuition and housing are free.

While attending ASCTE, students gain valuable insights and experience through internships, field experiences, and cooperative learning, preparing them for either postsecondary education or the workforce.

Bill Bailey of Radiance Technologies presents a plaque to ASCTE President Matt Massey

Prior to the presentation of the check at the Radiance headquarters, Executive Director of The ASCTE Foundation PeggyLee Wright thanked the Foundation’s board of directors for their tireless work in the creation of the school and the fundraising efforts for its capital campaign.

“Our foundation exists specifically to ensure, one, that that beautiful 26-acre campus in CRP [Cummings Research Park] is built. We do not get local tax dollars. This school was made because of industry like you,” Wright said.

“The second reason that our foundation exists is in order to ensure that there’s great partners in education. So when Radiance comes on as a partner in education it’s not just to be part of our capital campaign, it’s to make sure that our curriculum is relevant,” she continued. “When our students have an opportunity for apprenticeships and internships, you all have them and are teaching them exactly what they need to know so they can bust out in industry and be embraced for it.”

Following a nationwide search, ASCTE selected Matt Massey, a veteran math teacher and the former superintendent of the Madison County School System, to serve as the President of the new school.

“We are grateful for the investment and support ASCTE continues to receive from our community and industry,” Massey stated. “Support from Radiance and other industry partners helps us provide a robust program to educate future industry professionals and leaders.”

“Radiance Technologies has an enduring legacy of ownership and technical excellence. Radiance is delighted to invest in the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering,”said Bill Bailey, Radiance CEO.

“This investment honors the vision of our founders, Dr. George Clark and Mr. John Dennis. Their vision laid the foundation for our culture of employee-ownership and commitment to our communities.”