Saban Center to promote water literacy through new partnership with NOAA

The Saban Center may not be open in Tuscaloosa just yet but its latest partnership is already helping lay a foundation for future success.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be working with the Saban Center to enhance water literacy and promote STEM education across the state. It will also encourage students to pursue careers in water sciences and engineering.

Keep reading to find out more about the Saban Center + what this new partnership can do for future students.

NOAA’s National Water Center

This new partnership is not the first time the NOAA has made a connection in Tuscaloosa. The administration’s presence is felt through the one-of-a-kind National Water Center on the University of Alabama campus.

The $23 million building has resources for the NOAA including:

• Water resources forecasting operations center
• Applied water resources research and development center
• Proving ground for transitioning research into operations
• Geo-intelligence facility
• Airborne snow and soil moisture observation analysis facility

The new collaboration between the NOAA and the Saban Center will aim to deepen the understanding of the role water resources play in sustaining society and powering industries. It will also help address challenges posed by extreme weather + water events.

“By combining efforts, the Saban Center and the National Water Center aim to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and environmental stewards… These efforts are geared toward nurturing young individuals interested in pursuing education and careers in natural resources, fostering early curiosity and commitment to environmental sustainability.”

~ The Saban Center

The partnership will take a comprehensive approach to studying water’s significance in local communities, exploring both the opportunities it presents and the risks it poses.

Saban Center

Saban Center plans to open in June 2027 with the design process expected to wrap up later this year.

The center will be an innovative hub for local and regional school districts to inspire children to enter STEM and the Arts-related fields. It will offer a hands-on experience in a single state-of-the-art campus.

“It is an honor to join forces with NOAA and align our mission with their vast expertise and resources. Their support and dedication to sustainability are vital in shaping the future of STEM education in West Alabama and will significantly influence our approach to integrating the arts and science.”

~ Audrey Buck, director of the Saban Center

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