A LABAMA L EDGER
PAGE 3 www.AlabamaLedger.com
FEBRUARY 2023
Community Colleges Pump $6.6 Billion Into Economy By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger
program that allows them to move toward completing a bachelor’s degree. And, they’re using that training to make a difference right here in Alabama.” During the analysis year of 2020-2021, Snead State contributed an annual added income of $30.8 million to the local economy and supported 605 jobs. Snead also reported that alumni who are employed in Alabama’s workforce added $13.6 million in income, an economic boost that is two times the impact of hosting the World Series. The average associate degree graduate from Snead State will see an increase in earnings of $9,100 annually compared to someone with only a high school diploma working in Alabama. For every $1 students invest in an education from SSCC, they gain $6.60 in lifetime earnings. Overall, the ACCS generates $7.40 for every dollar invested in ACCS, for as long as the colleges’ FY2020-21 students remain active in the state workforce. The study also reported that alumni of Northeast Alabama Community College in Rainsville created an impact of $80 million, and NACC’s impact supported 1,789 jobs. According to the study, “the activities of NACC and its students support one out of every 34 jobs in the NACC Service Area.” Northeast Alabama President Dr. David Campbell has been heavily involved in economic development initiatives in both Jackson and DeKalb Counties for many years. “In many instances community colleges are looked at for the educational opportunities they offer in an area,” stated Dr. Campbell. “The Lightcast study does this as well, but it also looks at the economic impact that the college has on Northeast’s service area and the state as a whole," added Campbell. "Obviously, the effect on the Northeast area is substantial, like a major industry being in an area. I am familiar with these industry impacts based on my work
with Jackson and Dekalb counties’ Economic Development boards. We at Northeast are very proud of the economic and educational impact we have for our community.” The study also included Gadsden State Community college, which provided $207.9 million in added income during fiscal year 2021 to it's service area, which covers Cherokee, Cleburne, Etowah, Calhoun and St. Clair counties. “It is evident that a community college education has a positive return on investment for our students as well our entire community,” said Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State. “According to the new study, Gadsden State supports 3,555 jobs in the communities we serve.” The annual impact of the increased earnings of Gadsden State alumni and the businesses they work for is $166.8 million or 2,854 jobs supported. “We have a wonderful network of alumni who are testaments to our programs, our faculty and our staff,” she said. “The economic boost provided by those who have received a credential at Gadsden State is so impactful and so important to our area.” Murphy will review the findings of Gadsden State’s economic impact report during scheduled upcoming Town Hall meetings. She will also ask for feedback from community supporters that will be used in the development of a new strategic plan for Gadsden State. The Town Hall meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Science Building on the East Broad Campus; at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 in Room 130 at Gadsden State Cherokee; and 5:30 p.m. March 2 in the Cheaha Center Lecture Hall on the Ayers Campus. All meetings are open to the public. Gadsden State, Northeast Alabama, Snead State, along with other Alabama community colleges, all have students from various areas across Alabama and from other states.
According to a recent economic impact report, students and alumni of colleges within the Alabama Community College System added $6.6 billion to Alabama’s economy, supporting one out of every 27 jobs in the state. The independent, 102-page report by Lightcast estimates the Community College System directly impacts 98,923 jobs in the state, representing about 2.7% of Alabama’s gross state product. Additionally, taxpayers see a net benefit of $1.1 billion in added tax revenue from students’ higher lifetime earnings and increased output to businesses. The results of the analysis demonstrate that community college is a strong investment for all students, taxpayers, and society. “Students receive a great return for their investments in an education from the ACCS. At the same time, taxpayers’ investment in the ACCS returns more to government budgets than it costs and creates a wide range of social benefits throughout Alabama,” stated the report. Alabama’s community college alumni who are currently employed in Alabama’s workforce reportedly added $5.7 billion in income during the analysis year. A total of 95 percent of Alabama community college students remain in the state to live and work. “Our legacy centers on helping people develop the skills they need to help build the framework of our state’s economy, and the data this report provides proves we are on a forward path of excellence in that pursuit,” said Jimmy Baker, Chancellor of Alabama Community Colleges. “Residents are receiving a strong return on investment when they invest in training at one of our colleges – whether through an adult education program, rapid skills training program, rigorous certification or academic transfer
By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger This month, the Alabama Ledger had the opportunity to visit and eat at Hotrods Bar and Grill, which is a new restaurant near downtown Boaz. Located at 501 Elizabeth Street, in the former Polo Ralph Lauren outlet building, Hotrods Bar and Grill serves up both lunch and dinner. With fresh made food, including wings, onion rings, salads, sandwiches, and specialty drinks, the new Boaz eatery has a large selection of menu items to choose from. The business opened on February 4, 2023. The normal business hours are 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. Open hours are extended until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Hotrods is closed on Sunday. The owners are Christy Barbee, Bobby Young, and Randall Whisenant.
Tayler Progess, Jasmine Lyles, Maggy Sims, Idaly Monroy and Sara Toensmeyer received scholarships and completed their career skills training through the Women’s Foundation grant program at Snead State Community College. These five women were also the guests of honor at a recent ceremony celebrating their graduation of the Modern Manufacturing for Working Women program at Snead State Community College. The College received a $50,000 grant from the Women’s Foundation of Alabama to serve women within the Marshall County and surrounding area. The grant funded scholarships for career skills training for women who met the eligibility requirements. By participating in the Women’s Foundation program, the students earned credentials needed in the manufacturing industry, such as Certified Production Technician, NC3 Precision Measurement, National Career Readiness and Alabama Certified Worker. They had access to career coaching services, and childcare and transportation assistance was available to them as needed to eliminate barriers to achieving their credentials. Also as part of the program, employers were invited to speak to the students about employment at their company. For more information or to apply for the Career Scholarships, contact Snead State’s Workforce Development office at (256) 840-4152. Women's Foundation Graduates Photo Courtesy of Snead State
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
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