CMI2 recognizes that community stability is a necessary and critical foundation for national security.
- Strong, stable communities are more resilient, contributing to national security.
- Supporting economic development in underserved areas aligns with CMI2’s focus on national security, which includes support for rural communities.
- CMI2 leverages national security innovation to deliver STEM education, first responder training, and proven strategies that strengthen the workforce and drive economic growth in underserved areas.
Lighting the way for a brighter future
The CMI2 technology and innovation-focused education/workforce training program, known as ILLUME (see details below), was established to transform the existing high school curriculum in underserved and economically challenged areas into a dynamic, inclusive, and future-oriented program.
I – Innovating: Supporting Technology Student Association Curriculum and STEM principles
L– Learning: Developing Skilled Trades program
L – Leading: Drone / Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) curriculum
U – Uniting: Accelerated Change for the Good (ACG™)
M – Making: Makerspace environment
E – Experimenting: Makerspace environment
Specifically, CMI2 offers a platform for experimentation, development, and learning via ILLUME, empowering students with self-led projects, group workshops, and access to high-end professional equipment, design programs, and expendable materials.
Community Engagement
CMI2 engages communities at the primary and secondary school levels, exposing students to real national security problems that pique their interest at an early age. Exposure allows students in economically challenges areas to see options for contributing to large national/international challenges.
Focus-area opportunities for developing multi-disciplinary problem-solving:
- STEM
- Business
- Communications
- Marketing
- Policy
Since the original launch of ILLUME in 2023 in Clay County, West Virginia, CMI2 expanded the program in 2024 thanks to the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation’s support to develop a hands-on, experiential learning, technology, and innovation-focused curriculum for high school students. In 2025, CMI2 further expanded the program into Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi.
“Connecting STEM-related curriculum with hands-on collaboration and partnership with subject matter experts holds a tremendous opportunity for our public education system. We know the future is STEM, and if we can effect this significant mindset change, we will better engage students as we strengthen our position as a nation.”
– Zenovy Wowczuk, Founder of CMI2
RELATED
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Awards Grant to Expand CMI2’s ILLUME STEM Education Program
Benedum grant awarded to CMI2 to promote STEM education opportunities via ILLUME