The Alabama Community College System has seen a significant increase in enrollment in workforce education programs, with nearly 40,000 Alabamians enrolling in the last year. This brings the system’s total reach to over 170,000 people from August 2023 through July, the highest amount since 2013. The system is also seeing high enrollment numbers in credit-based programs, with over 122,000 students enrolled in 2023-2024.
System Chancellor Jimmy Baker credits the growing recognition of the critical role community colleges play in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to students from all backgrounds. The state’s labor participation rate, at 57.5%, remains a challenge, but the community colleges are working to align programs with the needs of local employers to help more people become workforce ready.
Efforts to increase enrollment and help people prepare for in-demand jobs include offering free training in certain fields and launching programs to prepare individuals for jobs with the Alabama Department of Corrections. The system will receive $586.9 million in state funding for the 2025 budget year, an increase of $35.6 million from the previous year.
Senator Arthur Orr praised Chancellor Baker and the ACCS leaders for their innovative and visionary leadership in workforce development efforts. He believes the system is a cost-effective way to improve lives through education and workforce training.
Overall, the increased enrollment in workforce education programs at Alabama’s community colleges demonstrates the system’s commitment to providing opportunities for individuals to gain the necessary skills and training for successful careers in the state.
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