Shelton State Community College has received a $2.8 million grant from the Alabama Community College System to establish a health care academy. The academy will provide vocational and academic courses to high school students and members of the community on the campuses of Bibb Medical Center, Bibb County High School, Bibb County Career Academy and West Blocton High School.
“The $2.8 million in funds Shelton State has been awarded will go a long way to bridge the health care gaps in our rural areas and provide much needed training for our local high school students and community members who are setting their sights on the next phase of their lives,” said Jonathan Koh, Shelton State president.
The academy will not only help high school students identify career options, but also assist incumbent workers in upgrading their skills. Along with career coaching and placement services, participants will receive classroom and virtual training on content relative to health care settings. Childcare and transportation needs also will be provided.
“We are thrilled to have an opportunity like this where we can really build something that transforms career trajectories in our rural community,” said Joseph Marchant, CEO of Bibb Medical Center.
The funding was provided to the Alabama Community College System through the 2024 Alabama Centers for Rural Healthcare Opportunity appropriation designed to expand opportunities for health science students across the state and enhance the health care workforce pipeline.
