91传媒

Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured $700,000 for 91传媒 State Community and Technical College in the . This funding will support workforce training. In total, Senator Britt more than $5.74 million for the Alabama Community College System in FY26 appropriations funding.

In light of the U.S. Department of Education recognizing April as and her leadership across the state to support Alabama鈥檚 community colleges, Senator Britt issued the following statement:

“I鈥檓 honored to join our state and nation in recognizing our incredible community colleges this April. The $700,000 in funding I was proud to directly secure for 91传媒 State will benefit not just the students, faculty, and staff on campus, but also Huntsville and the surrounding communities. This is exactly the investment federal taxpayer dollars should make鈥攅mpowering our students and preparing the next generation of leaders. I remain a dedicated partner and champion of Alabama鈥檚 Community College System, and I look forward to seeing how this funding strengthens the 91传媒 State campus and programs driving tomorrow鈥檚 workforce.”

鈥淪enator Katie Britt鈥檚 leadership in securing critical funding reflects her deep commitment to investing in the people of our state,鈥� said Jimmy Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System. 鈥淏ecause of her investment in the Alabama Community College System, Senator Britt is helping make life better for Alabamians through the transformative opportunities our community colleges provide.鈥�

“This $700,000 investment is a powerful confirmation of the role community and technical colleges play in strengthening our workforce and our regional economy,鈥� said 91传媒 State President Dr. Patricia Sims. 鈥淭hese funds will allow us to expand high鈥慸emand training programs, enhance instructional capacity, and continue delivering hands鈥憃n, career鈥憆eady education that meets the needs of employers across North Alabama. We are grateful for the support that enables 91传媒 State to serve as a strong engine of opportunity for our students and community.”

Career Week at 91传媒 State Community and Technical College was nothing short of remarkable! Over four packed days, students, faculty, staff, and community partners came together to equip the next generation of professionals with the tools, confidence, and connections they need to thrive in the workforce. From pop-up shops to fashion shows, this year’s Career Week was a massive success.

Dressing the Part and Finding Your Voice

Career Week kicked off with energy and excitement as 91传媒 State’s pop-up shop opened its doors to students preparing for SkillsUSA competitions and professional interviews. The response was overwhelming 鈥� students spent time carefully browsing the racks, finding pieces that would help them put their best foot forward. Cosmetology student Cierrah Araujo, who spent an hour looking through the selections, summed up the feeling perfectly: “It’s amazing 鈥� I am so grateful that we have these resources!”

The pop-up shop was made possible by the generosity of the 91传媒 State community, whose donations and volunteer spirit kept things running smoothly throughout the week.

Day 1 also set the tone for civic engagement. The Links, Incorporated led a powerful “Your Voice, Your Vote, It Matters” session, reminding students of the importance of voter registration and exercising their right to vote. The day rounded out with hands-on Skills Labs hosted by TEKSystems and Toyota, where students dug into the fundamentals of teambuilding, teamwork, and troubleshooting 鈥� skills that translate directly to any career path.

Building the Professional You

Day 2 brought a deep focus on professional development, with sessions designed to help students present themselves with confidence and clarity. The Greater Huntsville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Foundation, led an engaging session on interview preparation 鈥� covering everything from crafting a compelling elevator pitch to making a strong first impression through professional dress. An interactive lineup activity sparked lively discussion, and one lucky student walked away with a gift card for delivering the best elevator pitch of the day.

Dual enrollment students got an equally impactful experience with “Emotional Intelligence: The Skill No One Teaches You,” a session that explored the importance of self-regulation and navigating life and workplace situations with intention and empathy.

The day also included a forward looking session on “AI for Career Readiness,” giving students a practical look at how artificial intelligence can strengthen and streamline their workflow, a timely and valuable skill in today’s job market. To wrap things up, a LinkedIn Profile Session helped students build and properly set up their professional online presence, an essential step in today’s career landscape.

Face to Face with Industry

Day 3 brought the real world right to campus. The Industry Day Expo, held in the back parking lot, gave students the chance to connect face to face with local businesses and employers from across the region. Representatives from Huntsville Hospital, Leidos, TEKSystems, Vector, and more were on hand to discuss career aspirations, explore opportunities, and give students a glimpse into the professional paths available to them right here in their community. It was networking in action, and students showed up ready.

Strutting Into the Future

Career Week closed on a high note with the Career Fashion Show, held at the Leidos Advanced Training Complex. Students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate professional style, showcasing what to wear (and what to leave at home) in the workplace. Participants brought their own flair to their professional looks, making the event both educational and genuinely fun. It was the perfect finale to a week that proved career readiness doesn’t have to be intimidating, it can be joyful, creative, and deeply community driven.

A Week Worth Celebrating

Career Week is a testament to what’s possible when a college and its community come together with a shared purpose. To our donors, community partners, faculty, staff, and every organization that gave their time and expertise 鈥� thank you. And to our students: you showed up, engaged, and reminded us all why this work matters!

鈥�91传媒 State is where our community comes to build a future. Support for the college makes it possible to offer programs and resources that help ensure access to education and skills training for people across our community.鈥�

– Dr. Patricia Sims, President, 91传媒 State Community & Technical College

鈥�91传媒 State brings together education, business, and industry to create opportunities for people in North Alabama. That collaboration helps prepare the workforce and supports continued growth in the region.鈥�

-Dale Strong, U.S. Representative (AL-05)

Looking Ahead

City of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle has been learning to weld. Though he鈥檚 not the first city employee to learn this skill, his decision to show up may say the most about where Huntsville is going.

This is the fifth welding class 91传媒 State Workforce Development has offered to city employees at the City鈥檚 Fleet Management Facility on Johnson Road.

As word spread about the training, so did interest across departments 鈥� from fleet and facilities to public works and city hall. That growing enthusiasm eventually caught the mayor’s attention, and he signed up for a two-day introductory welding class for city employees offered through 91传媒 State.

Now, alongside City of Huntsville Director of Fleet and General Services, Ricky Wilkinson, and colleagues from across city divisions, Mayor Battle is putting on the gear, learning the science behind the craft in the classroom, and then taking it to the floor with stick and MIG welding. On lunch breaks he shares a meal with his fellow city employee classmates and gets an opportunity to learn more about them and their roles.

“It gives everybody a little chance to see what talents everybody else has, and what talents we have throughout the city,” the mayor said.

As Huntsville and Northern Alabama continue to grow and attract new industries, Mayor Battle has made inclusive economic development a centerpiece of his administration. That means not just supporting white-collar job creation but understanding the full spectrum of how people in Huntsville actually work.

Showing up to a welding class is, in its own way, a policy statement about the importance of skilled trades to the city鈥檚 economic development goals.

The class draws participants ranging from beginners to experienced welders, and everyone benefits regardless of where they start. Mayor Battle acknowledged the humbling reality of learning a trade from scratch and how hard it is to be good at a skilled trade.

“Part of that learning experience is learning that you need to spend a lot more time at it to be good than I do,” he said, while acknowledging that this team has benefited greatly from the instruction from 91传媒 State鈥檚 welding instructor, Easton Samples. “We’re learning from some of the best.”

Fleet Director Wilkinson echoed that praise, noting the class has brought together people from different city divisions who had never worked side by side before and sent them home with skills they can actually use on the job.

91传媒 State鈥檚 Workforce Development program, which trains students in high-demand trades including welding, machining, and fabrication, has been a significant engine of growth in Huntsville. Designed with a 鈥渓earn while you earn鈥� methodology, workforce development programs prepare students for employment through certificate programs that empower them to hit the ground running within weeks.

The next Work Ready Welding Certificate program, which is an eight-week program will be offered in June 2026. For more information on the program, please visit drakestate.edu/workforce-development.

Students in the Electrical Technology program at 91传媒 State are doing far more than studying theory. They are building, troubleshooting, and solving real-world electrical challenges that mirror the demands of today鈥檚 workforce. Through hands-on instruction and industry-aligned training, students develop the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to thrive in high-demand careers.

“In this class students are tasked with ‘making it work,'” says Mr. Lardell Goodloe. “They know exactly what they need to do: get it to work safely.鈥� He said, 鈥渓earning and adapting and challenging the equipment is a critical part of the training.”

That mindset is already translating into success for 91传媒 State students.

Jonathan Agee is currently working as an industrial maintenance worker at Shape Corp in Athens, Alabama while completing his degree. Balancing work and school, Jonathan is gaining valuable experience that strengthens both his technical skills and his long-term career prospects. His ambitions stretch far beyond North Alabama. “I can travel with this job, and I really want to see the world!” He said.

Second-semester student Jaleerreya Garrett is charting her own path toward entrepreneurship. With aspirations to start her own business and create jobs in her community, she credits the program鈥檚 emphasis on discipline and persistence as key components of her growth. “Mr. Goodloe is trying to teach me discipline and patience, and I am learning.”

From industrial maintenance to future business ownership, 91传媒 State鈥檚 Electrical Technology program equips students with more than technical expertise. The program fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that are essential in today鈥檚 rapidly evolving electrical and advanced manufacturing industries.

Learn more about the Electrical Technology program at 91传媒 State by visiting:
/career-pathways-programs/advanced-manufacturing/electrical-technology/

When you’ve welded pipelines in the Texas heat, supported aerospace programs that reach for the stars, and worked on power plants that light up entire regions, what do you do next?

For Mr. Jeremy Malone, the answer was simple: come home to Alabama and change lives.

91传媒 State Community & Technical College’s welding program just got a major upgrade, the kind that doesn’t come along often. He’s an AWS/ASME-certified union journeyman pipefitter who’s worked for industry giants like TVA, Alabama Power, Shell, British Petroleum, Georgia Power, and Nucor. He’s even a certified aerospace welder holding ASTM E1417/E1444 credentials and experience supporting aerospace programs at Boeing, Airbus, and Gulfstream.

But here’s what makes his arrival at 91传媒 State particularly significant: instructors who combine decades of mastery with teaching excellence are rare. Most industry veterans stay in the field where the money is good and the work is steady. Mr. Malone chose a different path.

“I believe welding offers life-changing opportunities for individuals and communities,” he said. And he’s got the track record to prove it.

At Limestone County Career Technical Center, Mr. Malone didn’t just teach welding. He built a program that became a regional powerhouse. Under his leadership, enrollment and job placement grew and students earned state and national championship titles.

As 91传媒 State expands its welding program to meet the surging demand for skilled tradespeople across North Alabama, Mr. Malone brings exactly what we need: world-class expertise, infectious passion, and a teacher’s heart. He’s certified through Lincoln Electric’s prestigious instructor program and authorized to provide industry credentials that open doors nationwide.

“I’m excited about transitioning to higher education and expanding my impact,” Mr. Malone shares about joining the 91传媒 State community. “This is about giving people a strong start, or a fresh start, in one of the most vital trades in today’s workforce.”

Welcome to 91传媒 State, Mr. Malone. Huntsville is lucky to have you.

Last fall, Regions Bank partnered with 91传媒 State to host 鈥淩eality Check,鈥� an interactive financial literacy workshop designed to help students build practical budgeting skills for real-world success.

The workshop challenged students to think critically about income, expenses, savings, and lifestyle choices, offering a hands-on experience that reinforced the importance of financial planning. Through guided exercises and realistic scenarios, participants gained valuable insight into managing personal finances and preparing for financial independence.

As part of the program, one participating student was selected to receive a beach cruiser-style bicycle, generously provided by Regions Bank. The bicycle recently arrived on campus, accompanied by four additional bikes donated to 91传媒 State to further support student needs.

The selected student was formally presented with the bicycle in the 91传媒 State Library. Joining the student were 91传媒 State President Dr. Patricia Sims and Ms. Floresha Watkins of Regions Bank, highlighting the continued partnership between the College and Regions in supporting student success beyond the classroom.

91传媒 State is grateful for community partners like Regions Bank who invest in the holistic development of our students. Initiatives like 鈥淩eality Check鈥� not only strengthen financial literacy, but also empower students with the confidence and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their futures.

Through collaborations that blend education with real-world application, 91传媒 State continues to prepare students for success in both career and life.

Following the success of the landmark LPN Launch Program collaboration between 91传媒 State Community and Technical College and Huntsville Hospital, both institutions proudly announced the new RN Launch Program with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding held yesterday. The signing event took place Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Nursing Classroom on 91传媒 State鈥檚 Cochran Road Campus.

The LPN Launch Program has demonstrated strong outcomes, with 91传媒 State receiving the Mark Ivester Innovation Award from the Community Colleges of Appalachia and many institutions across Alabama and beyond adopting the model for their own programs. The program has also delivered impressive student results: the last two classes of the PN Nursing program (December 2024 and May 2025) achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX, while 91传媒 State鈥檚 RN program has maintained an 86% NCLEX pass rate. The new RN Launch Program serves as a natural progression, allowing students currently enrolled in the LPN program to continue their studies toward earning an RN license.

The RN Launch Program gives students access to a stronger, more affordable, and more supportive academic pathway. Through the initiative, students will benefit from a streamlined transition from LPN to RN training, increased exposure to hospital-based clinical experience, and closer mentorship from nursing professionals. The strengthened alignment between academic coursework and hands-on training reduces barriers to degree completion and enhances students鈥� preparation as they move directly into advanced nursing roles.

鈥淥ur partnership with Huntsville Hospital continues to strengthen the region鈥檚 healthcare workforce, and the RN Launch Program is a powerful next step,鈥� said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of 91传媒 State Community & Technical College. 鈥淏y expanding opportunities for our nursing students, we are ensuring they have clear, affordable, and accessible pathways to advance their careers while meeting a critical community need.鈥�

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to expand our partnership with 91传媒 State with the RN Launch program. This initiative will mirror our highly successful LPN Launch program which has had great results for our hospital and for 91传媒. Both of our organizations share a strong commitment to workforce development for our growing region,鈥� said Tracy Doughty, President & COO of Huntsville Hospital.

鈥淚t makes so much sense, as the RN program is a one-plus-one program whereby the first three semesters prepare the students for an LPN license. The students can now opt to stop out as LPNs or continue their training for another two semesters and get their RN license,鈥� said Dr. Alice Raymond, 91传媒 State鈥檚 Health Sciences Chair.

With the current nursing shortage in Alabama, the RN Launch Program provides a strengthened workforce pipeline that will support employment opportunities for students and positively impact the region鈥檚 healthcare community.

Students interested in joining the inaugural RN Launch cohort may apply for Fall 2026 enrollment, with additional program details and admissions information available through 91传媒 State鈥檚 Health Sciences page.