Written by: Sarah Sharman, PhD  

Every summer, HudsonAlpha’s campus becomes a hub of curiosity and discovery as students from middle school through college dive into the world of science. Through HudsonAlpha’s Summer of STEM programming, students explore genetics and connect classroom learning to real-world, hands-on lab experiences—all while glimpsing possible futures in science and technology.

This summer marks five years of GFiber’s sponsorship of HudsonAlpha’s Summer of STEM. Their continued support helps make these hands-on educational opportunities possible, ensuring students across Alabama and beyond have access to high-quality science learning experiences.

“GFiber is all about connection, whether that is bringing high-speed internet into homes or building stronger ties in the communities we serve,” said John-Michael Cortez, Government and Community Affairs Manager, GFiber. “Supporting HudsonAlpha’s Summer of STEM allows us to invest directly in our communities by helping nurture the next generation of innovators, technicians, and problem-solvers, some of whom may one day be part of the GFiber family.”

A perfect example of this spark in action is the Code of Life summer camp, designed for rising 6th through 8th graders. The week-long camp introduces young scientists to the wonders of DNA through immersive, hands-on experiences. Campers learn how the information coded in DNA controls physical traits, investigate how genetic changes can cause disease, and explore the vital roles of enzymes. Using authentic research laboratory equipment, students master techniques like micropipetting and centrifuging, culminating in an exciting experiment where they create glow-in-the-dark bacteria.

This summer, members of the GFiber Huntsville team visited the Code of Life camp to see this community impact firsthand. They toured the HudsonAlpha facilities, met with educators, and watched the campers transform from students into active scientific investigators.

“Seeing the sheer excitement on the students’ faces as they used real laboratory equipment was incredibly inspiring,” said Cortez. “They weren’t just reading about DNA in a textbook; they were actively doing the work of real scientists. It completely validates why we support HudsonAlpha. These campers are exactly the kinds of curious, hands-on problem solvers our communities need for the future.”

HudsonAlpha’s education and workforce development programs give back to the community by training and inspiring tomorrow’s STEM leaders. From sparking curiosity in middle schoolers to preparing college students for careers in biotechnology, these programs create pathways for growth that extend well beyond the classroom. The impact ripples outward, strengthening the local workforce, fueling innovation, and empowering students to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and changemakers. 

With support from GFiber and other sponsors, HudsonAlpha’s Educational Outreach team will host over 500 teachers and students on their campuses in Huntsville and Dothan, Alabama. The trickle-down effect from teachers learning this summer and applying their knowledge to their students throughout the school year amplifies that reach to thousands of students. 

To learn more about supporting STEM education through the HudsonAlpha Foundation, visit https://foundation.hudsonalpha.org/ or contact ChrisAnn Clifton (cclifton@hudsonalpha.org). 

To learn more about GFiber’s Community Impact program, visit GFiber.com.