WALKER CO., Alabama (WBRC) – Bevill State Community College is partnering with Jasper City Schools and Walker County Schools to provide more educational opportunities for their students and fill a growing gap in the job market.

“For every five professionals who leave the industry or retire, there are only two who can take their place. That’s why we’re focused on getting a workforce ready more quickly,” said Dr. Joel Hagood, president of Bevill State Community College.

Students are expanding their education through a brand new career-technical dual enrollment program at the college that launched this semester.

“We started with three specific areas: welding, machine tool technology and heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology,” said Dr. Hagood. “All three areas are in high demand and offer good wages.”

Students can get involved starting in the tenth grade. Dr. Hagood says that more than 200 young people have enrolled this first semester and many are able to study for free thanks to scholarships.

“Many of our students live in poverty. We are committed to breaking that cycle and improving the quality of life for them and their families. We believe dual enrollment is one way to break that cycle,” said Dr. Dennis Willingham, Superintendent of Walker County Schools.

Both he and Dr. Ann Jackson, superintendent of Jasper City Schools, say these college courses boost their students’ confidence.

“Once they start at that level, when they get to high school, they see, ‘Yes, I can compete. I can get good grades. I’m learning my craft and if I want to continue, I have that opportunity and I know I can do it,'” she said.

Dr. Hagood said they are already planning to expand the program into the areas of electronics and robotics.

For more information about the program, visit the BSCC website.

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