THE HEMAN DRUMMOND CENTER OF INNOVATION Welcome to the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation (HDCI), a transformational facility that inspires and equips high school students with the skills and certifications needed for today’s dynamic career pathways. Our center integrates cutting-edge technology, hands-on learning experiences, and industry partnerships to create an immersive educational environment.
MISSION Our mission is to foster generational change and create opportunities for students to join a thriving workforce and economy by offering a seamless educational experience that promotes engagement and collaboration to address the needs of our community.
KEY FEATURES: • Innovative Learning Academies: In addition to core career curriculum, the Center will explore specialized academies for coding, robotics, cybersecurity, digital media, and biotechnology. Each academy will have the latest tools and software, enabling students to problem-solve in real-world simulated workplaces. • Certification Programs: Students will earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials in various fields, providing a competitive edge in the job market and a strong foundation for future studies. Programs will be tailored to meet the needs of high-demand careers. In addition, students will have the opportunity to pursue college level technical coursework developing skills that lead to certifications or the ability to transition smoothly to higher education. • Mentorship and Networking: Our center will foster connections between students and industry professionals through apprenticeships, internships, mentorship programs, guest lectures, and networking events. This exposure will help students gain insights into potential career paths and develop professional skills and networks. • Collaborative Projects: At HDCI, we believe in learning by doing. Students will work on interdisciplinary projects that promote teamwork and creative thinking and challenge them to innovate and apply their knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios. • Entrepreneurship Incubator: For aspiring entrepreneurs, our incubator will offer resources and support to develop business ideas, including workshops on business planning, marketing, and finance. • Community Engagement: The HDCI will actively engage with local businesses and organizations, creating opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and community service projects that enrich students’ learning experiences.
At the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation, we believe in nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Whether they begin their career immediately out of high school or take what they learned at HDCI to further their education, students will be equipped with the tools they need for successful careers in a wide range of industries. HDCI will serve as a cornerstone for job growth and economic development for the community for current and future generations and will offer students the opportunity to change their world.
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COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS WALKER AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Foundation purchased the future home of the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the career technical partnership between the Walker County and Jasper City School Systems. Once the property was secured, plans began to transform the space into a cutting-edge Center of Innovation, designed to inspire and equip students with the skills they need for today and the future. As the building takes shape, the Foundation will work to generate the financial support necessary to bring the vision to life, forging partnerships and securing funding to ensure the Center’s success. In parallel, the Foundation will convene local school systems, collaborating to build on existing award-winning programs to develop future educational opportunities that will prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. To bring the vision to the community, the Foundation will create dynamic marketing materials that showcase the innovative programs and the vast possibilities available to students. These efforts will engage donors, parents, students, industry and the community, creating excitement and anticipation for the transformative impact the Center will have on education and regional economic development. WALKER COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM and JASPER CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM Once the building is complete, the Walker County School System will receive the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation and, together with the Jasper City School System, will operate it as a state-of-the-art facility offering a comprehensive and high-quality curriculum. By leveraging the existing enrollment of over 750 students at the Walker County Center for Technology and Jasper High School Career & Technical Education programs, HDCI will be able to maximize its impact and provide valuable opportunities for a wide range of students from both the Walker County and Jasper City systems. This collaboration will strengthen the educational offerings in the region and help prepare the next generation for success in a rapidly changing workforce. BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE In partnership with Walker County and Jasper City Schools, Bevill State Community College will help build a stronger bridge between K-12 education and the workforce. By continuing to strengthen this connection, the college will help the school systems to address the ongoing challenges of labor force participation, ensuring that students are better prepared to enter the workforce with the skills and certifications employers need. JASPER INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD and WALKER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Economic Development is vital to the success of a community and for HDCI to be located in the center of our community’s industrial park will pay dividends well into the future. The visionary leadership of the Jasper Industrial Development Board (JIDB) in allowing the Foundation to purchase this property shows a strong commitment to the development of high-wage, high-demand jobs in in the area. Together, the Walker County Economic & Industrial Development Authority and JIDB will play a key role in bringing together educators and industry partners to continuously develop and refine programs that align with the evolving needs of the workforce. This ongoing dialogue will ensure that students have access to relevant, cutting-edge training that equips them for success, bridging the gap between education and employment.
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SIMULATED WORKSPACE FINISHED BUILDING WILL BE 125,000 SQUARE FEET IN TOTAL
• 1st Floor will be 78K Square Feet • 2nd Floor will be 47K Square Feet
FIRST FLOOR
AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC
DIESEL MECHANIC
WELDING MANUFACTURING
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING FUTURE SPACE
PRECISION MACHINING/ADVANCED MANUFACTURING FUTURE SPACE
ROBOTICS STEM SANDBOX MULTIPURPOSE ROOM FUTURE SPACE
GRAB & GO KIOSKS - KITCHEN
CLASSROOM
CLASSROOM
STUDENT ENTRY
ELEVATOR
ADMIN
AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION
CONSTRUCTION MASONRY
CONSTRUCTION PLUMBING
CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICAL
CONSTRUCTION HVAC
PUBLIC LOBBY
STUDENT CENTER
SECOND FLOOR
CYBERSECURITY/IT FUTURE SPACE
FUTURE SPACE
GRAPHIC DESIGN/PODCASTING BROADCASTING/COMMUNICATIONS
Open to the first Floor
Open to the first Floor
FUTURE SPACE
HEALTH SCIENCES
STORAGE
ELEVATOR
Balcony Lounge
FUTURE SPACE
FUTURE SPACE
FACULTY WORKSHOP
FUTURE SPACE
Open to the first Floor
COSMETOLOGY
PRE-ENGINEERING 3D MODELING/CAD
Open to the first Floor
Open to the first Floor
Open to the first Floor
JOB TRAINING
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LEVELS OF GIVING
VISIONARY $5,000,000 & Greater FORGE A LEGACY INNOVATOR $1,000,000 & Greater CATALYZE CHANGE MASTER $500,000 & Greater LEAD THE FUTURE JOURNEYMAN $100,000 & Greater ELEVATE EXCELLENCE CRAFTSMAN $50,000 & Greater REFINE SKILLS APPRENTICE $25,000 & Greater EMPOWER THE LEARNERS FOUNDATION $5,000 & Greater LAY THE GROUNDWORK
Your generosity transforms lives and communities for generations to come.
Fuel the advancement of cutting-edge technology and innovative curriculum.
Support the development of advanced programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Invest in programs that equip students with advanced skills.
Enhance hands-on learning and practical experience.
Help acquire essential tools and resources for success.
Builds the foundation for future innovators.
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HEMAN DRUMMOND Heman Drummond, an innovative miner, well driller, farmer, barber, and risk-taker, was known for his hard work, honesty, and compassion. In 1935, at age 30, he founded the H.E. Drummond Coal Company in Drummond Hollow, Alabama, on land homesteaded by his mother. Despite financial struggles during the Great Depression and World War II, his perseverance laid the foundation for what became one of Alabama’s largest businesses. Drummond’s coal production started small, but after purchasing a coal-cutting machine in 1937, it grew. He also expanded into surface mining, land and mineral acquisition, which helped the company prosper. Drummond’s honesty earned him respect, even among competitors, and he relied on credit and personal assets to keep the business afloat. By 1956, Drummond had built a strong foundation for his company but passed away at age 50. His five sons and two daughters carried on his legacy, and today Drummond Company employs 3,300 people worldwide. Drummond’s vision, hard work, and generosity left a lasting impact, both in his community and in the coal industry. His friends remembered him as a kind, dependable man, and his legacy continues through his family’s success.
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Laura Ulz /Board of Directors lulz@wacf.org Paul W. Kennedy /WACF President pkennedy@wacf.org Cristy Moody /Executive Vice President cmoody@wacf.org Jim Trotter /Vice President Development jtrotter@wacf.org
Mailing Address Post Office Box 171 Jasper, AL 35502 Contact Us Telephone: (205) 302-0001
Fax: (205) 302-0424 contact@wacf.org wacf.org
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