Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation

01/13/2026

These students are geared up and ready to get to work!

We’re excited to kick off another strong week for our Eastern Shore Bridge program as our AIDT Structural Fitting Bridge Interns officially begin training this week.

These students are stepping into a hands-on pathway that connects classroom learning to real-world careers in shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing. Through their time at AIDT, they’ll gain technical skills, industry exposure, and nationally recognized credentials that position them for immediate workforce opportunities right here on the Gulf Coast.

Congratulations to this outstanding cohort. We’re proud to support your journey and can’t wait to see what you build.

Baldwin County Career and Technical Education
Baldwin County Public Schools
Robertsdale High School Bear Nation
Spanish Fort High
Daphne High School Trojans
Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

12/10/2025

Exciting day at the AIDT Maritime Training Center as we kicked off orientation for our first cohort of the Eastern Shore Bridge Program’s Structural Fitting & Welding Internship!

These students are stepping into a high-demand, high-skill pathway, and thanks to our partnership with local schools, they’re able to leave school early, train at AIDT, and earn $15 an hour while gaining real-world experience.

Grateful for our partners at AIDT and the instructors who pour into these students every day. These students are ready to learn and ready to work.

Baldwin County Public Schools
Baldwin County Career and Technical Education

11/13/2025

Our Student Training & Exploration Program (STEP) students spent the day at the beautiful Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection learning what makes this iconic destination a world-class experience.

From hospitality and culinary arts to event management and guest services, students got a firsthand look at the many career opportunities available right here on the Eastern Shore.

Thank you to the Grand Hotel team for opening your doors and sharing your passion for excellence with the next generation of local talent!

Baldwin County Public Schools
Baldwin County Career and Technical Education
Daphne High School Trojans
Spanish Fort High

11/03/2025

Our Student Training & Exploration Program (STEP) students recently toured Thomas Hospital and Coastal Alabama Community College, getting a first-hand look at career opportunities in healthcare and beyond. 💉👩‍⚕️

From exploring the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities to learning about dual enrollment and technical programs at Coastal Alabama, students gained valuable insight into pathways that can lead from classroom to career.

A huge thank you to our partners at Thomas Hospital, Coastal Alabama Community College, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast for helping us connect students to their future!

Fairhope High
Spanish Fort High
Daphne High School Trojans
Baldwin County Career and Technical Education
Baldwin County Public Schools

10/01/2025

We’re proud to announce that the Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation has been named as one of the 2025–2026 Alabama Work-Based Learning Best Practices Winners for our Bridge Internship Program!

The Eastern Shore Bridge Program connects high school seniors with paid internships at leading local businesses and industries. Students earn a $15 an hour paycheck while gaining hands-on experience, career mentoring, and professional skills that set them up for success after graduation.

This award recognizes the impact of investing in our future workforce and the strong partnerships we’ve built with employers across South Alabama.

A big thank you to the Alabama Department of Workforce and the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship for this recognition!

09/23/2025

Our Student Training and Exploration Program (STEP) students from Fairhope High, Spanish Fort High, and Daphne High School Trojans, traveled to Airbus this past week!

The students were able to take a class in quality control, explore the FlightWorks Exhibit, and tour the Final Assembly Line at Airbus.

Thank you to our K-12 partners at Baldwin County Career and Technical Education and to our industry partners for giving these students a first-hand look at all that is going on on the Gulf Coast!

09/17/2025

Our first Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Day was a success!

For Law and Government Day, students heard from Representative Jennifer Fidler, Daphne Mayor Robin LeJeune, Fairhope City Councilman Jimmy Conyers, Spanish Fort City Councilman Curt Smith, and Baldwin County Circuit Court Judge Jody Bishop. They also toured the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency and the 911 Center.

Thank you to all of our partners for pouring into the next generation!

Baldwin County Public Schools
Daphne High School Trojans
Bayshore Christian School
Spanish Fort High
Fairhope High
Bayside Academy
St. Michael Catholic High School - Baldwin County, AL

08/20/2025

Our Youth Leadership Program kicked off this past weekend with an Opening Retreat at Eastern Shore Lanes!

A big thank you to Daphne Utilities for being our Youth Leadership Program Sponsor.

This year's class is made up of 37 amazing students from all across the Eastern Shore. Below is the list of students and their school:

• Amelia Hicks – Bayside Academy
• Vivienne Littlepage – Fairhope High School
• Annie Taul – Bayside Academy
• Bennett Langley – Spanish Fort High School
• Cruz McMurry – Bayside Academy
• Anna Stejskal – Fairhope High School
• Bryce McMurry – Bayside Academy
• Ayden Maestas – Baldwin Preparatory Academy
• Savannah Cox – Bayside Academy
• Chloe Tipton – Homeschool
• Greta Deese – Bayside Academy
• Cannon Sabol – Spanish Fort High School
• Isabella Casolaro – Fairhope High School
• Copeland McCullough – St. Michael’s Catholic High School
• Mary Alice Cannizzo – Fairhope High School
• Natalia Forbes – Daphne High School
• Ella Slye – Homeschool
• Anna Kay Rigby – Spanish Fort High School
• Carmella Cannizzo – Fairhope High School
• Paige Benson – Fairhope High School
• Josie Kemper – Fairhope High School
• Blake Strickland – Bayshore Christian Academy
• Addy Pierce – Daphne High School
• Sloanne Dyess – Daphne High School
• Bella Marcal – Spanish Fort High School
• C**t Dorger – Spanish Fort High School
• Jillian Duncan – Daphne High School
• Ethan Malozzi – Spanish Fort High School
• Kate Morris – Spanish Fort High School
• Darby Smith – Spanish Fort High School
• Haley Few – Spanish Fort High School
• Schuyler Smith – Daphne High School
• Lily Horn – Spanish Fort High School
• Avery Payne – Fairhope High School
• Rebekah Lorenz – Spanish Fort High School
• Piper Phillips – Fairhope High School
• Raegan Todd – Baldwin Preparatory

Baldwin County Public Schools
Daphne High School Trojans
Spanish Fort High
Fairhope High
St. Michael Catholic High School - Baldwin County, AL
Bayshore Christian School
Bayside Academy