About the Alabama Community College System

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is Alabama’s gateway to world-class, affordable education and technical training for the necessary skills to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. The system consists of 24 community and technical colleges, including the Alabama Technology Network, and Marion Military Institute – one of five junior military colleges in the nation. The Alabama Technology Network is a part of the ACCS and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

High school students and adult learners alike benefit from the various certificates, credentials and degree programs available through ACCS.

Tuition at Alabama’s community colleges is less than half the cost for the same core, academic courses as those taught at four-year universities in the state. More than 168,000 people choose to study through ACCS each year.

ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.

ACCS Mission

The Alabama Community College System mission is to provide a unified system of institutions dedicated to excellence in delivering academic education, adult education, and workforce development.
1947

1925

ALABAMA'S FIRST PUBLIC TWO-YEAR COLLEGE OPENS

The Alabama School of Trades, opened in Gadsden on September 14, 1925, as the first state-operated trade school. Thirty-five students enrolled in four courses: printing, electricity, bricklaying, and cabinetmaking.

1947

1947

PRESIDENT CALLS FOR CREATION OF PUBLIC "COMMUNITY" COLLEGES

President Harry S. Truman called for the creation of public "community" colleges – two-year institutions of higher education located in communities for general academic education. These colleges would serve as a doorway to universities and for technical training and degrees, particularly for the thousands of veterans returning from World War II with GI Bill funds but limited access to higher education.

1947

1947

REGIONAL TRADE SCHOOLS CREATED

On October 9, 1947, the Alabama Legislature approved the creation of five regional trade schools: George C. Wallace State Trade School, Dothan (now Wallace Community College-Dothan); Wenonah State Technical Institute, Birmingham (now Lawson State Community College); Tennessee Valley State Technical School, Decatur (now Calhoun Community College); Shelton State Technical Institute, Tuscaloosa (now Shelton State Community College); and Southwest State Technical Institute, Mobile (now Bishop State Community College).

1963

1963

ALABAMA LEGISLATURE FORMS COLLEGE SYSTEM AND DEPARTMENT OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

The Alabama Legislature established the state two-year college system with the passage of a $15 million bond issue to fund construction, the establishment of the Alabama Trade School and Junior College Authority, and the State Board of Education management and control authority of junior colleges and trade schools.

1982

1982

POSITION OF CHANCELLOR ESTABLISHED

Dr. Howard Gundy was appointed as ACCS' first chancellor on July 2, 1982, after legislation that made ACCS a separate agency under the State Board of Education.

2006

2006

MARION MILITARY INSTITUTE (MMI) MERGES WITH ACCS

The 164-year-old Marion Military Institute is the oldest military junior college in the nation, producing more than 204 generals and admirals for the U.S. armed forces.

2015

2015

RENAMING AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES ESTABLISHED

An independent Board of Trustees was established by the Alabama Legislature. The Department of Postsecondary Education was renamed the Alabama Community College System.

TODAY

TODAY

With a focus on students and a commitment to provide excellent, world-class instruction, the Alabama Community College System's 24 colleges continue to evolve to meet the educational and economic needs of Alabama's workforce. More advanced technology, guaranteed 2-to-4 transfer, specialized workforce development training for new and expanding industry and existing businesses, adult education, distance learning, and dual enrollment now characterize who we are. The number of people served by all the entities of our system, including Alabama Technology Network (ATN), workforce development, and adult education, is approximately 300,000 annually. Of that, approximately 120,000 are enrolled in credit courses.

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