MONTGOMERY—The Alabama Community College System today announced the Diamond Jubilee College Showcase, a collection of 24 events that highlight examples of what Alabama’s community and technical colleges offer to the communities in their regions. 

The showcase features 24 of the more than 800 events held each year at Alabama’s community and technical colleges to feature and support residents, students and communities. The events selected for the showcase focus on student success, educational enrichment, workforce development, community engagements, or music and cultural arts. Information about the events can be found by connecting with your local community college or visiting accs.edu/community. 

Alabama’s community and technical colleges were unified as one system May 3, 1963, when legislators laid the groundwork for a unified system of institutions to focus on accessible training in “arts and sciences and in useful skills and trades” for current and future labor needs. Sixty years have passed, but that important cause remains the singular purpose of the 24 community and technical colleges that make up the ACCS.  

“Our colleges are known for being the source of everything from academics to technical training in their own communities, but we want to do a better job of showing that each community and technical college in the state is part of a system of 24 colleges with a unified commitment to serving Alabama,” said Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System. 

Many of the events in the College Showcase are celebrated annually within their communities. Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) in Rainsville will host its 18th Summer Latino Festival June 10. The event celebrates Latino culture with a mariachi band, authentic dancers, children’s activities, authentic vendors and more.  

“Being a community partner means knowing your community and celebrating what makes it unique. We’re honored to have a team of colleagues and partners who have dedicated time to ensuring that each year, our Latino festival showcases activities for all ages and all cultures in such a way that residents look forward to the event happening every year,” said Dr. David Campbell, President of NACC. 

Several events, such as Gadsden State’s Etowah Qualified Workforce Immersion Program, are community partnerships dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s workforce. The program provides more than 400 educators an annual opportunity to visit Gadsden State’s campuses and learn more about career technical and health science options that they can share with students in the region. 

The list of college showcase events includes the following:  

Summer Events 

Drake: Jazz in the Garden 

Ingram State: Raising for Workforce Reentry Fundraiser Program 

NACC: Latino Festival  

Reid State: Back to School Bash 

Fall Events 

Bishop State: Trunk-or-Treat 

Central: State of Education (Alexander City Campus) 

Calhoun: Best Robotics BEST Robotics Competition 

Enterprise State: Dancing for Scholarships                                 

Gadsden State: Etowah Qualified Workforce Immersion Program 

Jefferson State: Pioneer Day (Homecoming) 

Northwest-Shoals: Metallica Scholars Manufacturing Day  

Shelton State: Wine, Women & Shoes 

Snead State: Founders Day 

Southern Union: Community Fall Festival  

Wallace State: Pulse Student Conference 

Winter Events 

Bevill State: Alabama Mining Academy and Underground Mining Simulation Tour 

LBW: Christmas Tree Lighting  

MMI: Donor Recognition Luncheon and Ceremony 

Wallace Dothan: Winter Showcase         

Wallace Selma: Martin & Coretta King Unity Breakfast  

Spring Events 

Coastal: College Clean-Up Week  

CVCC: Foundation Hall of Fame Recognition Program 

Lawson State: Blue Tape Art Extravaganza  

Trenholm State: Scholarship Gala 

  

More information about each event or program can be found by connecting with your local college or by visiting www.accs.edu/community. 

About ACCS 

Alabama’s community and technical colleges were unified as one system May 3, 1963, when legislators laid the groundwork for a unified system of institutions to focus on accessible training in “arts and sciences and in useful skills and trades” for current and future labor needs. Sixty years have passed, but that important cause remains the singular purpose of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). With 24 community and technical colleges in more than 130 locations and an economic impact of $6.6 billion, the ACCS is Alabama’s gateway to first-class, affordable education and technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 178,300 Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The System includes the Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.