January 19, 2023 sdawkins Blog
MONTGOMERY – Thirty resource workshops for Alabama's active-duty military, veterans, and their families will happen across Alabama's community colleges in January and February, thanks to a sponsorship from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC & D).
The ACCS Military and Veterans College and Career Workshops will take place beginning Tuesday, Jan. 24, through Tuesday, Feb. 28, at community colleges across every region of the state. The workshops will engage military active-duty, guardsmen, reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents on the local services and programs available to them through Alabama's community colleges. These services include access to veteran's service officers, veteran's educational benefits, apprenticeships, career services, mental health support, and credentials.
Jefferson State's Military and Veterans College and Career Workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17. Find more information and a link to register here.
During a press conference at the State House on Tuesday, January 10, Alabama RC & D Executive Director Katie Conner said the workshops will give veterans across Alabama access to valuable resources available in a convenient location.
"The Alabama Community College System's proposal to host workshops to help our veterans gives RC & D councils in every region of the state the opportunity to deliver
essential information regarding education and employment opportunities for those who have done so much for our country," Conner said.
Veterans attend Alabama's community colleges for academic or workforce training.
"The veterans' workshops and luncheons throughout the state are bound to welcome veterans who want to learn what services are available to them within their local communities," Commissioner Kent Davis of the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs said.
"I applaud Alabama RC & D and the Alabama Community College System for building a program that serves those who have served and are currently serving."
"The resources available to Alabama's military community are valuable benefits of which our service members, our veterans, and our families should be aware," said Maj. Gen. Sheryl E. Gordon, Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard.
"There are infinite opportunities for our Alabama service members to reach their personal and professional goals and I am excited to see so many of these programs brought to light. We appreciate the efforts of the Alabama Community College System and Alabama Association of RC&D Councils to bring these opportunities to the forefront."
Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, said the veterans' workshops are among many efforts by the System to collaborate with associations who are already working successfully to strengthen communities.
"Public community colleges were created many years ago to provide veterans with an opportunity to gain training closer to their homes. We are approaching 60 years as the Alabama Community College System, and we recognize that our greatest impact comes when we work alongside entities that are committed to serving the residents, businesses and industries of our state," Baker said. "The partnership with Alabama RC & D confirms that together, we can make available the colleges' resources so that we can continue to serve those who have served our country."
A schedule of the workshops can be found here.
About ACCS
With 24 community colleges in more than 130 locations, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is Alabama's gateway to first-class, affordable education and technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 144,000 Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The System includes the Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.
About Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils
The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils includes nine Councils that depend on the leadership, abilities and unique skills of the individuals within the communities they serve. The high level of volunteer commitment and credibility has made RC&D one of the most successful delivery systems in Alabama. RC&D Councils are dedicated to conserving, enhancing, and developing Alabama to make our state a better place to live, work, and play.