Photo: Ziyun McCowan, Central Alabama CC CDL graduate. Story as printed in the Q4 2024 ACCS Alabama Minute Newsletter.
Record numbers of Alabama residents are enrolling in community and technical colleges, to pursue opportunities for academic and workforce training.
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) reported over 170,000residents enrolled in academic courses or registered for workforce training between August 2023 and July 2024.Of these, 122,867are in credit-based academic programs, while the rest are pursuing job-ready workforce credentials.
“The slogan of the Alabama Community College System is that we make life better, and the challenge to do so successfully is evident in the support of Alabama’s leaders and in the number of Alabama residents achieving their goals through the colleges’ training,” said Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.
The commitment of Alabama’s community and technical colleges to align programs with the needs of local and regional employers ensures graduates are job-ready and equipped with the skills required to thrivein today’s competitive job market.
“This enrollment milestone is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, the relevance of our programs, and the trust that students and their families place in us,” said Olivier Charles, President of Bishop State Community College in Mobile.
Initiatives of the ACCS, such as scholarships, flexible learning options, and support services, have been instrumental in making college more accessible to underserved communities.
“Alabama’s future is bright, and our community colleges are at the heart of it,” said Dr. Neil Scott, ACCS Vice Chancellor for Student Success.“As we celebrate, we remain focused on our mission to empower students, strengthen communities, and drive economic prosperity across the state.”