Alabama’s six Historically Black Community Colleges become first inducted into national scholarship organization

As printed in the Q3 2023 ACCS Alabama Minute Newsletter.

Residents attending any of Alabama’s six Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs) will now have access to more scholarships and professional development opportunities through a national partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).

Alabama’s HBCCs are the first Historically Black Community Colleges to be inducted into the TMCF, including Bishop, Drake, Gadsden, Lawson, Shelton, and Trenholm State Community Colleges.

Named after the U.S. Supreme Court’s first Black justice, TMCF is a nationally recognized nonprofit membership organization that supports more than 50 historically black colleges. To date, TMCF has provided more than $300 million in scholarships, programmatic and capacity building support to its member schools and students.

“HBCCs play a critical role in local and regional economic development by offering workforce upskilling and reskilling programs,” said TMCF President and CEO Dr. Harry Williams. “HBCCs across the country offer associate degrees and industry-recognized certificates and credentials that can launch students into the workforce to fill skilled positions that offer good pay without the requirement of a bachelor’s degree.”

Alabama is home to more HBCCs and HBCUs than any other state. The Alabama Community College System’s 24 community and technical colleges add $6.6 billion to Alabama’s economy, supporting one out of every 27 jobs in the state.

Receive an electronic copy of the newsletter or submit a story idea. Let us know by clicking here.