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 155,000 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.