Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Nick Rizzo
Jasper High School seniors recently spent time exploring workforce opportunities, financial literacy, and other practical tools for life after graduation during LifeSkills 101 at Bevill State Community College (BSCC).
The event was hosted through United Way of Central Alabama’s inCommunity initiative in partnership with Jasper City Schools and local community organizations. The program was created to support student success after high school through sessions focused on career readiness, workforce development, and everyday life skills.
Speakers during the event’s opening session, held Friday, April 10, in Glen Clem Gymnasium, emphasized that students have multiple options after graduation and encouraged them to use the day to consider pathways they may not have previously explored.
“Ultimately, I wanted this to be a day of hope,” said Jasper City Schools Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Allen. “When I graduated high school in 1999, I didn’t see a lot of hope in our community in terms of long-term growth after high school. But what I’ve seen in the last 10 to 15 years is that most of my classmates have said, ‘This is a community I want to come home to.’ Everything has become more positive and hopeful.”
Students then rotated through sessions with participating organizations, including BSCC Workforce, BSCC Student Services, the Walker Area Community Foundation, HARTT Counseling and Wellness, Capstone Health, Pinnacle Bank, Alabama Power, and Carl Cannon Chevrolet Buick GMC. Topics outlined included mental and physical health, vehicle maintenance, community service and engagement, workforce simulations, college and career readiness, business and the local economy, and finance and building credit.
“We hope that students leave with support and skills they can carry with them after graduation, whether that’s practical things like car care and changing a tire or career-focused preparation like learning about opportunities at Bevill, building a resume and taking steps that will help them succeed whether they go to college or directly into a career,” said Ryan Parker, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Central Alabama.
Throughout their remarks, event organizers and school leaders stressed that career pathways can take many forms, from college degrees to short-term certifications and technical training. Students heard examples in areas such as nursing, welding, HVAC, CDL training, and machining, along with encouragement to ask questions and make connections with employers and program representatives.
The event also highlighted practical knowledge that many students will soon need as they begin making independent decisions.
“Today could be a day to look at different opportunities, to ask yourself different questions, maybe things that you’ve not thought about before,” Allen added.
LifeSkills 101 was the official launch of United Way of Central Alabama’s inCommunity partnership with Jasper City Schools. According to a United Way media advisory, the initiative is built on the idea that schools can serve as community hubs by connecting students and families to services and support. WL
