HUNTSVILLE – Athletics at the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering got a huge boost when ground was broken recently on a student activities center that will house some of the Sentinels’ 16 teams.

The same day, SAIC announced a $50,000 donation to support female athletics at the unique school known as ASCTE. It’s the only public high school in the nation to integrate cyber technology and engineering into all academic disciplines.

Athletic teams and other extracurricular clubs were originally an afterthought in the master plan, but the administration and students changed that virtually when the doors opened.

“After five decades of unwavering allegiance to the Rocket City, SAIC’s commitment to ASCTE remains steadfast and enduring,” said Greg Fortier, senior vice president, Army Business Group at SAIC. “It is an honor to invest in this immensely talented group of young people and this one-of-a-kind institution – we cannot thank ASCTE enough for the opportunity to serve.”

The $50,000 contribution from SAIC will provide female athletic programs with additional resources and opportunities, including expanded offerings and equipment. Coinciding with the groundbreaking of ASCTE’s “Sentinel Center” — a student activities complex for sports and extracurricular activities — SAIC’s gift will provide opportunities for female students to excel on the courts and beyond.

“As a high school focused on STEM education, ASCTE is committed to providing a well-rounded education that includes athletics and extracurriculars,” said Matt Massey, president of ASCTE. “We are grateful to SAIC for their generous donation and continued support of our students.”

SAIC has a long history of supporting ASCTE through donations, Partners in Education and other initiatives. This partnership will have a lasting impact that reaches beyond the bounds of ASCTE, benefiting the students and the entire industry, the company said.

A check was presented at the Jan. 26 Sentinel Center groundbreaking ceremony.