MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees recently declared April as Community College Month. Chairperson Goodrich “Dus” Rogers read the official proclamation during the Board’s meeting on April 8. Governor Kay Ivey also signed a proclamation recognizing the month.
Community College Month is recognized nationwide as a time to celebrate the difference community colleges make in people’s lives. From the start, these colleges were built to serve their communities—and Alabama’s 24 community and technical colleges continue to live up to that mission. For decades, they’ve helped families build better lives, supported the workforce needs of local businesses and industries, and offered students fair and accessible pathways to training and education.
“Starting the esthetics program while pursuing my associate degree was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” said Kayley Peebles, student at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. “The program has deepened my skincare knowledge and offered me 225 internship hours—experience that will be essential for my future resumes and medical school applications.”
Ninety-six percent of Alabama’s community college students are from Alabama, and 70% of graduates remain in the state to live, work, and invest—contributing more than $8.1 billion to Alabama’s economy and supporting 1 out of every 26 jobs.