​Chamber’s TechMGM Powers Workforce Development Through Youth-Centered Programming at DAFITC 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2025

Chamber’s TechMGM Powers Workforce Development Through Youth-Centered Programming at DAFITC 2025

Montgomery, AL – With a focus on building Alabama’s future workforce and advancing the national defense talent pipeline, TechMGM, an initiative of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, spearheaded a dynamic lineup of youth-focused education events during the 2025 Department of the Air Force Information Technology & Cyberpower Training and Education Event (DAFITC). Through hands-on engagement, real-world exposure, and direct mentorship, these events served as a vital bridge between education and career pathways in technology, cybersecurity, and military leadership.

Across four signature programs—the High School Education Day, innovateDAFITC Hackathon & Cyber Challenge, ROTC Mentorship Session, and STEM Fest—more than 1,500 students from elementary to college level were empowered with early exposure to high-demand skills and professions that are foundational to Alabama’s growing tech and defense ecosystem.

“These aren’t just one-time experiences, these events are intentional investments in workforce development,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of Montgomery Chamber TechMGM. “By connecting students directly with industry experts, service members, and STEM professionals, we’re helping them visualize a future for themselves right here in Montgomery. We’re not only preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, but we’re also showing them those jobs are already waiting.”

The programming at DAFITC 2025 emphasized both inspiration and preparation.

• High School Education Day offered a curated DAFITC experience where students explored cutting-edge technology, heard directly from Air Force leaders, and saw firsthand the mission of the Department of the Air Force.
  • Hosted by: Montgomery Chamber TechMGM, AFCEA, SAF/CIO, and University of Alabama Crimson Defense  
• The innovateDAFITC Hackathon & Cyber Challenge introduced high school students to real-world cybersecurity challenges through a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition. Guided by professional mentors, students developed technical problem-solving and team collaboration skills in a high-energy environment.
  • Hosted by: Montgomery Chamber TechMGM, AFCEA, SAF/CIO, and University of Alabama Crimson Defense  
• The ROTC Mentorship Session paired Air Force ROTC and JROTC cadets with seasoned military officers in a dynamic leadership development format featuring panel discussions and small group mentoring.
  • Hosted by: Montgomery Chamber TechMGM and Montgomery TechLab 
• At STEM Fest, over 1,000 fourth and fifth graders from across the I-85 region participated in more than 50 hands-on stations, exploring science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive play, experiments, and demos.
  • Hosted By: META, Montgomery Chamber TechMGM, 1-85 Regional Stem Learning Ecosystem, and STEM Global Action

“DAFITC is a powerful example of what happens when industry, education, and defense unite,” said Anna Buckalew, Chamber President & CEO. “Last week, students discovered what’s possible in STEM and defense pathways, sparking interest that will grow into long-term opportunities for our workforce, our economy, and our nation’s defense. We’re proud to champion efforts that keep Montgomery at the forefront of innovation and growth.”

TechMGM extends deep appreciation to our partners—AFCEA, SAF/CIO, University of Alabama Crimson Defense, Montgomery TechLab, META, the I-85 Regional STEM Learning Ecosystem, and STEM Global Action—for their leadership and commitment to investing in the next generation. Their support and collaboration ensured these programs reached students of all ages and backgrounds, amplifying the impact of DAFITC beyond the training & event floor into classrooms and communities across the capital region.

By anchoring education experiences within the context of a major defense tech conference, the Chamber, through initiatives like TechMGM, is positioning Montgomery as a national model for how local communities can accelerate talent development and strengthen workforce pipelines to support both commercial innovation and military readiness.

Explore the Chamber & TechMGM’s ongoing education and workforce programs at www.montgomerychamber.comand www.techmgm.com.

innovate: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCso4W
STEM: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCst1m
ROTC: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCsiUb
 
ABOUT TECHMGM: 
TechMGM is Montgomery Chamber’s technology and innovation initiative, fostering growth, collaboration, and talent development in the region. Through partnerships with industry, education, and government, TechMGM accelerates the adoption of technology and promotes a vibrant tech ecosystem.
 
ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is a full-spectrum economic development public-private partnership representing 1,400 businesses and organizations with over 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama.

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Media Contact:
Greta Locke
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
glocke@montgomerychamber.com
(C): 205-862-9307