Shelton State Receives Nearly $3M For Bibb County Healthcare Academy

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Shelton State Community College (SSCC) this week announced it has been awarded a grant of almost $3 million to establish a multi-faceted Healthcare Academy in Bibb County.

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SSCC said the grant will fund vocational and academic courses for high school students and community members on the campuses of Bibb Medical Center (BMC), Bibb County High School, Bibb County Career Academy and West Blocton High School.

“We are thrilled to have an opportunity like this where we can really build something that transforms career trajectories in our rural community,” BMC Chief Executive Officer Joseph Marchant said. “A special thank you to Senator April Weaver for her role in helping craft the legislation that has provided these funds throughout rural communities in Alabama like ours,” he added.

The college then said Healthcare Academy students will be able to work at BMC during non-school hours, earning money while working in a healthcare setting. Students in vocational and noncredit areas will become hire-ready for local employers.

Additionally, the proposed Healthcare Academy will provide supportive services and supplemental support for cohort members in high school and the community.

The Healthcare Academy will also offer targeted events and activities like tutoring and ACT prep, which will allow participants to identify career options and related skill gaps and skill areas, assist incumbent workers in upgrading skills, and enable participants to identify meaningful pathways to the healthcare workforce through career coaching, job coaching and placement services.

The funding comes from the Alabama Community College System, which provided the grant under the 2024 Alabama Centers for Rural Healthcare Opportunity appropriation. This is designed to provide new and expanded opportunities for health science students across the state and create an enhanced workforce pipeline for Alabama’s healthcare industry.

“The $2.8 million dollars in funds Shelton State has been awarded will go a long way to bridge the healthcare 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,” SSCC President Jonathan Koh said.

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