Located in and around the ‘Magic City’ of Birmingham, Alabama, Jefferson State Community College (JSCC) campuses serve more than 15,000 students each year – over half of whom are first-generation college students. JSCC provides more than 33 certificates and training programs in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, robotics, welding, and computer technology Furthermore, it’s Alabama’s top generator of nursing associate degree graduates, producing more than 250 graduates per year.
ARC has partnered with JSCC for much of its 50+ year history. From supporting its Vocational Training Center in 1974, to new investments in high tech simulations and equipment, we’re proud to play a role in JSCC’s incredible impact on Appalachia’s education and workforce.
New Equipment for Nursing
In 2017, ARC provided over $100,000 to purchase and install lab and patient care simulation equipment, supplies, and furniture for a new Nursing and Allied Health wing on JSCC’s St. Clair-Pell City campus. This expansion and upgrade of classroom and lab space helped strengthen programs that meet the needs for in-demand health services in Appalachian Alabama. In fact, the job placement rate for JSCC radiologic tech graduates is 100%.
The Road Ahead
In 2021, ARC invested $200,000 in JSCC’s new project “Driving on the Road to Success,” which developed a truck driving simulation training to upskill and train new employees across well-defined commercial driving career pathways. As a result of this investment, JSCC is helping students train for and obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to pursue careers in the growing CDL industry. More importantly, the mobile driving simulator allows students to train without risking an accident. JSCC expects at least 38 workers/trainees will obtain employment and two businesses will be improved throughout this project. As of November, 10 graduates have already been announced.
Driving the Vision
The Greater Birmingham Region’s economy is undergoing transition, which is rapidly creating new employment opportunities and pathways for students. Using ARC support, JSCC is successfully integrating education, innovation, regional business needs, and workforce opportunities to help students succeed in Appalachian Alabama and beyond.
