Bevill State Community College (BSCC) has received a $100,000 grant from the Don Drummond Family Fund of the Walker Area Community Foundation for Career Technical Education (CTE) Dual Enrollment Scholarships for high school students in Walker County. The purpose of the CTE Dual Enrollment Program at Bevill State is to provide an opportunity for qualified high school students to enhance their education by enrolling early in college courses toward receiving a degree and/or certifications in CTE programs. These students are able to experience college-level courses, explore career options, and shorten the time required to complete a college degree. This is an opportunity to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Funds from this grant will allow Bevill State to provide these educational opportunities in high demand, high wage fields to more high school students in Walker County. Bevill State will be eligible to receive these funds on an annual basis.  

Dr. Joel Hagood, President of BSCC, said, “I would like to thank the Walker Area Community Foundation, and specifically the Don Drummond Family, for once again providing support to Bevill State in our endeavors to help the communities we serve prosper and grow. The scholarships provided from this grant will not only help the individual students, and subsequently their families, it will ultimately impact the economy of Walker County as a whole.” 

"I am grateful to the Don Drummond Family for this generous gift. This will ensure that high school students across Walker County will have an opportunity to earn college credit while learning a valuable trade at no cost to them or their family. We must have a well-trained and highly credentialed workforce to move forward with Industrial and Retail Recruitment. The career tech dual enrollment scholarship provided by the Drummond Family, through the Walker Area Community Foundation, represents a tremendous private-public partnership. It also tells potential businesses and industries looking to locate in Walker County that we are committed to meeting their workforce needs. I am a proud alumnus of Bevill State Community College, I was happy to bring these dedicated community members and organizations together. I want to thank them for alleviating the burden of college tuition for many deserving students and creating career pathway opportunities that will result in high-wage, high-demand jobs. On behalf of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS)  Board of Trustees, thank you for supporting Bevill State and promoting the future of Walker County," stated Matt Woods, ACCS Board of Trustees, 4th Congressional District. 

There is a current workforce shortage in Walker County and the state of Alabama as a whole. Governor Ivey’s Success Plus Initiative sets forth the goal to add an additional 500,000 workers to the Alabama workforce by 2025, resulting in 60% of working-age adults holding a certificate, credential, or degree. Projects like this will assist business and industry in Alabama to meet those workforce needs. Students utilizing these scholarships will be able to participate in the following programs: 

• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology (ACR)

• Advanced Engineering Design (EDT)

• Advanced Manufacturing Technology (ADM)

• Child Development (CHD)

• Computer Science (IT)

• Electrical Systems Technology (ELT)

• Medical Assisting Technology (MAT)

• Machine Tool Technology (MTT)

• Office Administration & Technology (OAT)

• Vehicle Technology & Repair Programs (ABR/ASE/DEM)

• Welding Technology (WDT)

“Our family is excited to be able to assist high school students throughout Walker County. Students receiving these scholarships will be able to take career tech courses toward a degree or certification, preparing them for successful entry into the workforce,” stated Erin Drummond Baker.  

About Bevill State Community College (BSCC) Bevill State Community College is a public, two-year "open door" institution, committed to providing comprehensive education and educational support services for people in West Central Alabama and beyond. Bevill State is a member of the Alabama Community College System. Bevill State's four main campuses, and one instructional site, offer university parallel and applied technology educational opportunities to over one-quarter million people in a seven-county area. This service area spans over 4,600 square miles, from the Birmingham city limits to the Mississippi state line. 

For more information contact Tana Collins-Allred at 800.648.3271 ext. 5742 or by email at tana.collins@bscc.edu.  Please visit our website at www.bscc.edu.