March 2026

The Sports Ledger www.TheSportsLedger.com

Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com Construction Students Are Building More Than Just Skills Students in Gadsden State Community College’s Construction Technology program, based on the Valley Street Campus, are building more than just skills—they’re building their communities. Under the leadership of instructor Heath McDaniel, the program partners with several local nonprofit organizations to give students valuable, hands-on experience while giving back. McDaniel said approximately 80 percent of the program’s training takes place in the field. Students spend Mondays in the classroom learning core concepts, then apply those lessons Tuesday through Thursday on real job sites throughout the area. “Our students get to work with their hands, make a difference in the community, and build something they’re proud of,” McDaniel said. “There are tons of opportunities in construction right now, and we want our students to be prepared to step right into those jobs.” The Construction Technology program regularly collaborates with organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Eagle Rock Boys Ranch, Windy Van Hooten Teaching Garden, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and The Dream Center. The class contributes to specific phases of nonprofit building projects such as framing, finishing, and other areas aligned with their current training modules. Support from the Greater Gadsden Home Builders Association has been instrumental, providing materials, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities for students. The class recently applied those skills on a two-home build project in West Gadsden with Habitat for Humanity, providing students with valuable real-world construction experience while supporting local families. In addition to community service work, students complete college-based projects and other practical assignments that strengthen their technical and teamwork skills. Their work spans much of Northeast Alabama, from Anniston to Boaz, reflecting Gadsden State’s commitment to serving its entire service area. McDaniel said the experience not only equips students with the technical skills needed to succeed but also helps them develop a strong sense of purpose. “It’s rewarding to see students realize they can build a career and make a difference at the same time,” he said. To learn more about Gadsden State’s Construction Technology program, visit gadsdenstate.edu/programs- of-study/construction.

PAGE 3A March 2026

Photos Courtesy of Gadsden State

Worlds of Work Connects Students to Wide Range of Career Pathways The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) have continued their partnership to offer additional scholarships for residents interested in pursuing careers in the state's automotive manufacturing industry. The $4,000 scholarships will cover tuition, books, and fees and are available to students enrolled in an eligible Alabama community college program for the 2026 summer and fall semesters. Eligible programs include: Mechatronics, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Automated Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Machining/Machine Tool/CNC, Automotive Service Technology, Robotic Welding Technology, and Engineering Technology. To qualify, students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be enrolled in one of the listed programs. Dually enrolled high school students are not eligible. Applications can be submitted online through the Dream It, Do It website. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 27, 2026. Scholarship Opportunity

Thousands of students from across East Alabama explored future career opportunities during the annual Worlds of Work (WOW) event presented by Eastman, on March 10–12, 2026, at the Oxford Civic Center. Worlds of Work is an immersive, hands-on career exploration event hosted by Gadsden State Community College and designed to introduce students to the wide range of career pathways available in the region. Approximately 8,000 students from Workforce Region 2 attended, representing schools in Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Randolph and Talladega counties. The event welcomed 8th-grade and 11th-grade students from public, private and homeschool programs, giving them an opportunity to interact directly with industry professionals and experience real-world demonstrations of careers in high-demand fields. Through interactive exhibits and demonstrations led by industry partners, students explored 11 career worlds aligned with regional workforce needs, including agriculture and outdoor resources, automotive and modern manufacturing, business and entrepreneurship, communications, media and marketing, construction, education and training, energy and utilities, engineering and technology, healthcare, public safety, and transportation, distribution and logistics. “Worlds of Work gives students the opportunity to step into real career environments and experience firsthand the skills and opportunities that exist right here in East Alabama,” said Lisa Morales, Community and Workforce Liaison at Gadsden State Community College and Worlds of Work event director. “By connecting students with local employers and industry professionals, we help them begin thinking about their future and see the many pathways available after high school.”

Submitted Photo

Participants gain insight into education, training and credential pathways while learning about careers available in their own communities. The event also aims to motivate students to stay engaged in school and begin planning their future career paths. Worlds of Work is a collaborative regional initiative that brings together educators, employers and workforce leaders to strengthen the pipeline between education and industry across East Alabama.

Submitted Photo

We Buy Antiques - One piece or complete estate

Furniture, Lamps, Collectibles, Jadeite, Vaseline Glass, and Fenton Items

Open: Mon-Fri 9-5 Saturday 10-5

Now Liquidating! Over 20,000 Square feet

Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting