By Savannah Logan
On Friday, November 17, 2023 Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth announced the award of $179 Million in capital improvement grant funding to be spread over 300 education programs around the State. Bibb County Career Academy was awarded up to $4 Million. One-time funding for these projects was set aside during the 2023 legislative session.
The award represents fruitful planning for an innovative partnership between the Bibb County School System, Bibb Medical Center, Shelton State Community College and the Alabama educational system.
State Senator April Weaver said the award was enabled by the participation of Bibb Medical Center. BMC pledged matching grant funds to the project and the BMC campus will be the home of a future Academy of Health Sciences program and classroom facility. The future Health Occupations program builds on the successful partnership and practical nursing education program that was launched by Bibb Medical Center and Shelton State Community College last year (Fall 2022).
Bibb County Schools Superintendent Kevin Cotner said the program will serve students from Bibb County and West Blocton high schools. Students who choose the program will be able to follow several health-related career tracks and could be eligible for dual-enrollment post-secondary education credits. Students who graduate from the program could be ready to be hired full time into a health-related field or continue their post-secondary education towards an advanced degree.
Cotner highlighted the potential of the academy approach in empowering students to explore medical studies within a more intimate and specialized learning environment. “This planned educational facility will bring a wealth of
additional experiences and educational opportunities that will set our students apart when continuing onto higher education and into their careers.”
The Superintendent said the program is presently in the early stage and all of the logistical details remain to be worked out. The goal is to have the program available for enrollment as soon as the 2024-2025 school year. The initiative aligns closely with state workforce development strategies, with a specific focus on healthcare, said Cotner.
State Senator April Weaver, who works tirelessly to create better opportunities for all students within Bibb County, addressed the significance of the issue at hand while threading hope for the future into her thoughts.
“As Alabama continues to face a dramatic shortage in rural healthcare workers, this grant comes at an opportune time,” Weaver continued. “By identifying students who have an interest in healthcare, teaching and developing their skills, and supporting them to reach their career goals, this will be a game changer for our rural area. With the combination of grant funding that was awarded and the continuing commitment and financial support from Bibb Medical Center, we will be able to open doors for countless students while also improving our community.”
The pressing need for a diverse, well-trained healthcare workforce, well-versed in emerging technologies, cannot be understated. Joseph M. Marchant, President/CEO of Bibb Medical Center, emphasized, “Through this program, we will be able to meet the unique interests of students who want to explore the medical field and give them a competitive advantage to local in-demand jobs.”
At its initial phase, this project holds promise for the future. The commitment to collaborate with community partners underscores the dedication to investing in students and shaping their promising futures. As the demand for healthcare continues to rise, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope, paving the way for aspiring students to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare while addressing critical shortages in rural areas.
Additional information regarding the future academy will be released as the program plan unfolds.
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