Alabama FAME is now the largest statewide partner of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Program with the announcement of its newest chapter at Drake State Community & Technical College during a press conference Friday morning.

“The opportunities in this part of the state are immense, and this new FAME chapter will allow more students to earn while they learn, gaining real-world experience in their chosen careers,” said Jimmy H. Baker, ACCS Chancellor. “Today’s college students value hands-on opportunities, and our industry partners are eager to hire graduates who possess the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the workforce.”

FAME is a five-semester, industry-led program that partners students with industry while they take classes at select community colleges, splitting time between the classroom and company site. Employers integrate the curriculum into real-world applications, ensuring students gain practical, hands-on experience aligned with their future careers.

“They’re training these students to stay,” said Audrey Webb, ACCS Director of Work-based Learning. “Now what’s really cool about that is that 90 % of those students stay with the company that they’re working at. These students earn college scholarships and are debt free when they enter the workforce.”

Alabama’s community colleges have served more than 600 students through AL FAME. According to Alisyn Jackson, the Deputy Director for USA FAME, there are more than 40 FAME chapters across 17 states, maintaining partnerships with more than 450 manufacturing companies. The chapters supported by Alabama’s community colleges are among the best nationally.

“Alabama has been wildly successful with FAME and a fantastic partner to work with. We refer other states to the model that has been established in Alabama,” Jackson said.

Webb added that Alabama is the second-fastest growing state that’s implementing the FAME program. Initially focused on training industrial maintenance technicians with the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in partnership with Calhoun Community College, FAME has expanded in the state to nearly 200 industry sponsorships, which include Alabama Power, Amazon, and companies specializing in paper, steel, oil, gas, and tier 1 and 2 suppliers, among others. “FAME on the Coast,” Bishop State’s chapter located in Mobile, AL., is FAME’S first Process Tech program in the nation.

“We are looking at other types of programs like machine tool, and we could expand into welding and others,” said Webb. “However, we’re approaching them one step at a time to ensure the curriculum is carefully developed and maintains the high standards that make FAME stand out.”

During their two years in the program, students can earn as much as $33,500, which with planning can cover all a student’s education expenses. Students are also eligible for grants and financial aid.

Drake State’s FAME chapter will launch in fall 2025. For more information on Alabama FAME, visit https://www.accs.edu/fame-program/