Hamilton, AL – Bevill State Community College (BSCC) and Marion County Schools have entered into a new agreement to expand dual enrollment opportunities for students through the creation of the Marion County College & Career Academy on the Bevill State Hamilton Campus. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was approved by Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker of the Alabama Community College System and signed by Chancellor Baker and BSCC President Dr. Joel Hagood on Wednesday, August 13. Dr. Patrick Sutton, Superintendent of Marion County Schools, signed the agreement following approval by the Marion County Board of Education on Friday, August 15.
Set to launch in the 2026–2027 academic year, the Marion County College & Career Academy will offer Career Technical Education (CTE), Health Science, and Academic courses, with the potential for program offerings to expand over time. Eligible students entering the 10th grade will have the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school, and could potentially graduate with short- term or long-term certifications, or even an associate degree. Marion County Schools will provide transportation for students to attend classes on the Hamilton Campus. Instruction will be delivered through a combination of Marion County Schools instructors serving as adjunct faculty for Bevill State and BSCC faculty.
“Partnerships like this are transformational for our students and our communities,” said Dr. Joel Hagood, President ofBevill State Community College. “By working closely with Marion County Schools, we are creating more opportunitiesfor students to gain valuable skills, earn college credit, and graduate career- ready. This initiative not only benefitsindividual students but also strengthens Marion County’s position for economic recruitment, as local industries seek a highly trained workforce.”
“This is a phenomenal opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Patrick Sutton, Superintendent of Marion County Schools. “The establishment of the Marion County College & Career Academy on the Bevill State Campus will give our studentsopportunities for academic and career tech dual enrollment at a level that we could never provide on our own. We are arural system, but our students will be on par with any in the state. I appreciate Dr. Hagood and his team for this opportunity, and I look forward to working together for many years.”
The Marion County College & Career Academy will not only prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or further education, it will also open doors to opportunities that can shape their futures. By providing access to college-level coursework, valuable industry credentials, and hands-on training, this partnership ensures that Marion Countystudents have the tools they need to succeed in their chosen paths.
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.
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 at www.BSCC.edu.
