Bevill State Community College (BSCC) and C3 of Northwest Alabama, Inc. (also known as the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance) are proud to announce the launch of Career BOO$T, a new tuition reimbursement program designed to support workforce development and economic growth across Fayette, Lamar, and Marion counties.
Career BOO$T is the latest initiative under C3’s TIME (Tech Innovation Means Employment) program, which focuses on fueling tech and innovation opportunities in Northwest Alabama. The program aims to strengthen the local workforce by encouraging enrollment in high-demand technical fields and helping reduce barriers for students pursuing careers in skilled trades.
Funded through a $25,000 Innovate Alabama grant, Career BOO$T offers $1,500 in tuition reimbursement to qualifying graduates who complete approved technical certificates or degrees at Bevill State’s Hamilton or Fayette campuses. Eligible programs include high-priority career fields such as welding, electrical, and mechatronics, areas identified as critical to the region’s current and future workforce needs.
“This partnership is a powerful example of how collaboration between education and economic development can directly impact lives and communities,” said Dr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State Community College. “Career BOO$T will help ease the financial burden for our students while strengthening the talent pipeline for local employers. We are proud to work with C3 to drive progress for Northwest Alabama.”
“We’re excited about Career BOO$T! It’s an investment in our people. We hope it encourages students and workers to explore high-demand advanced manufacturing and rural tech fields while reducing financial hurdles. Career Boost shows that the Northwest Alabama EDA region is a great place to launch rewarding careers and businesses. We’re proud to partner with Bevill State on this initiative and can’t wait to see its positive impact on our workforce and economy,” stated Tom Wisemiller, President & CEO of C3 of Northwest Alabama, Inc.
The Career BOO$T program directly addresses skilled labor shortages, boosts workforce readiness, and aligns with the shared goal of cultivating a vibrant, innovative environment for local talent and employers. In addition to the tuition reimbursement, the funds may also help offset costs associated with entering the workforce, such as purchasing gear and tools required in some technical careers.
C3 plans to pursue additional funding partners to expand the Career BOO$T program in the future. The initiative not only supports individual success but also aims to stimulate long-term economic prosperity and reinforce Northwest Alabama’s reputation as a place where people want to live, work, and grow their businesses.
This partnership between Bevill State Community College and C3 is a strategic step toward fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals and creating new opportunities across the region.
About Bevill State Community College (BSCC): Bevill State Community College is a public, two-year, “open door” institution, committed to providing comprehensive education and educational support services for people in West Central Alabama and beyond. Bevill State is a member of the Alabama Community College System. Bevill State’s four main campuses, and one instructional site, offer university parallel and applied technology educational opportunities to over one-quarter million people in a seven-county area. This service area spans over 4,600 square miles, from the Birmingham city limits to the Mississippi state line.
About C3 of Northwest Alabama, Inc.: C3 of Northwest Alabama, Inc., also known as the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, is a regional economic development organization serving Fayette, Lamar, and Marion counties. C3 works to grow and diversify the region’s economy by attracting new investment, supporting business retention and expansion, and building a pipeline of skilled talent. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, C3 is committed to creating a vibrant, competitive environment where communities thrive and industries succeed. For more information visit northwestalabamaeda.org.
For more information contact Tana Collins-Allred at 800.648.3271 ext. 5742 or by email at tana.collins@bscc.edu. Please visit our website atwww.bscc.edu.
Cover image, left to right: Dr. Marcus Carson, BSCC Associate Dean of Career Technical Education; Max Weaver, BSCC Dean of Instruction; Dr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State Community College; Tom Wisemiller, President & CEO of C3 of Northwest Alabama, Inc.; Andrew McCay, BSCC Vice-President Administration and; and, Dr. Russell Howton, BSCC Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
