Gadsden City Schools Hosts 2nd Annual STEM Fest with Aviation Pioneer Captain Barrington Irving
Gadsden, AL – On Saturday, May 3rd, Gadsden City Schools hosted its second annual STEM Fest at the East Gadsden Community Center, drawing students, educators, and community members together to celebrate the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The event featured a special partnership with aviation trailblazer Captain Barrington Irving and his educational platforms, The Flying Classroom and Experience Aviation.
The community-centered festival showcased after-school STEM programs from across Gadsden City Schools, offering students hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, educational games, and crafts. Local organizations set up booths to engage children and families in exciting STEM-related experiences. The event also featured music from a live DJ, a photo booth, and numerous opportunities for fun and learning.
A highlight of the day was the presence of Captain Barrington Irving, who met with students, signed autographs, and recorded a special video for WEIS Radio.
Irving, who made history in 2007 as the youngest person and first Black pilot to fly solo around the world, inspired students by sharing his journey from aspiring football player to aviation pioneer. His plane, Inspiration—a Columbia 400 assembled with $310,000 in donated parts—served as a symbol of ambition and resilience.
Captain Irving discussed his mission to connect youth with STEM and aviation careers through initiatives like The Flying Classroom, a K-12 STEM+ curriculum featuring global expeditions and virtual lessons, and Experience Aviation, a nonprofit offering hands-on STEM projects like building hovercrafts and aircraft. He also introduced the Barrington Irving Technical Training School in Miami, which emphasizes technical skills and workforce readiness, particularly for students not pursuing traditional college paths.
“When do kids ever get to use tools?” Irving asked, emphasizing his commitment to bringing technical skills into the classroom. His goal is to offer meaningful opportunities for youth to develop career-ready competencies, stay off the streets, and shape their futures.
WEIS Radio also spoke with Janie Browning, 21st Century Program Director and Federal Programs Coordinator for Gadsden City Schools. Browning, one of only 15 nationwide Afterschool Ambassadors selected by the Afterschool Alliance, praised the event for spotlighting the district’s workforce development efforts. She noted that while weather forced the cancellation of some outdoor activities, the festival successfully highlighted student learning and innovation.
“This event gives parents and the community a chance to see what our students are doing and learning” Browning said. She also expressed the importance of Workforce Development. She told us how the schools system is beginning to shift to incorporating more of it into the curriculum.
STEM Fest 2025 was more than a celebration—it was a vivid demonstration of how Gadsden City Schools are equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
A gallery from the event is available below:
