During the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) 8th Annual Leadership Summit, hosted virtually this year, Enterprise State Community College was named as a recipient of one of 18 awards for leading the way for career and technical education.

Each year at NC3’s Annual Leadership Summit, awards are presented to top-performing people and institutions in the NC3 Network for their leadership and innovation in career and technical education.

ESCC’s Mechatronics program has displayed remarkably rapid growth by quickly expanding its program to become an NC3 Leadership School that implements seven Snap-on certifications, 14 Festo certifications, one Dremel certification, one MRW Work Ethic certification, and two Greenlee certifications. In their first two years with NC3, they issued nearly 700 certifications in 23 areas of study!

Manufacturing – and Advanced Manufacturing – is one of the top five needed professions in the State of Alabama, which is why Enterprise State Community College decided to pursue a Mechatronics program.

Aubri Hanson, Enterprise State’s Mechatronics program manager and instructor, developed this program to mirror leading industry standards, value student academic-life balance and provide graduates with the tools they need to enter the workforce.

Coming from industry herself, Aubri said she recognized the value that NC3 certifications bring to her students. She stated, “I spent 12 years in industry before I started teaching, so I understand that having those certifications is what the industry values in their employees. Employers are looking for Snap-on or Festo certifications.”

Aubri continued to describe why she chose Festo equipment. She explained, “I had the opportunity to choose all of the equipment and the direction to take the program. In meeting and seeing the different vendors and equipment, I really liked that Festo equipment was tied directly to industry certifications. I love that Festo equipment is used in industry and that it’s modular, so you can totally disassemble and reassemble everything on those trainers.”

Despite having joined the NC3 Network just two years ago, Enterprise State Community College students are already benefiting from their certifications. Aubri says, “In the short time that our students have been earning NC3 Certifications, I’ve already had students acquire jobs because of the certificates they’ve earned. Already in their first semester, we offered NC3 certifications, and it’s paying off for our students.”

Through its Mechatronics program, Enterprise State also offers several short-term certificates that offer focused training for high-demand careers. One of the newest certificates is the CNC Operator/Programmer certificate, which includes training in blueprint reading, CNC turning and milling, and more.

Through the development of their Mechatronics program, Enterprise State Community College launched a new and innovative class structure. Aubri explained, “We’re offering our Mechatronics program in a brand-new format that is not being done anywhere else in Alabama. Our program is 100% flexibly scheduled. After completing the theory portion of the certification, our students can go online to a calendar and book lab time to complete the hands-on portion of the certification. There are no set course times.”

She continued, “The students can come into the labs at any time that’s convenient for them. We keep the lab open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. so students can come in around their schedule. This flexibility allows students to work around their own schedules, whether they have other classes throughout the day or work full-time jobs. This creates the opportunity for more one-on-one learning experiences with our instructors too.”

To learn more about the NC3 Membership Network, please visit NC3.net. Also, be sure to follow NC3 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to further join us as we celebrate these high-achieving institutions.

Cutline: Mechatronics instructors Aubri, left, and Anthony Hanson stand with the award recognizing ESCC as an NC3 School on the Rise.

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About NC3:

NC3 was established to help build a workforce prepared to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s industries by connecting employers and educational institutions in synergistic partnerships that foster effective training, the elevation of skilled careers, and employment opportunities. In fulfilling its mission, NC3 builds deep industry-educational partnerships and develops, implements, and sustains industry-recognized portable certifications built on national skills standards. We envision an industrial labor market where all workers have the jobs they need to thrive and all companies have the well-trained employees they need to operate and grow. Learn more at www.nc3.net.

About the NC3 Annual Leadership Summit:

Each year leaders in education, NC3 Leadership Schools, and industry experts gather at NC3’s Annual Leadership Summit to celebrate achievements within the field of career and technical education. During this premier event, the NC3 Membership Network discusses new and innovative industry trends as well as best practices that will propel the network’s institutions, industry-recognized certification programs, and students forward. NC3’s Leadership Award winners are announced annually at this conference.

About Enterprise State Community College

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college that serves more than 1,800 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Andalusia and Ozark. Each campus and site currently fulfill the Alabama Community College System’s mission for education and training which leads to high-wage, high-demand jobs in integral careers worldwide. Students can obtain associate degrees and certificates through multiple programs at the college.

Enterprise State Community College was recently chosen as one of only three Alabama community colleges to receive a five-year, $1.16 million federal TRiO grant to set up an Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) for program participants who want to pursue a college education.

The grant is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Through the grant, ESCC will receive $232,050 annually for the next five years to assist, prepare and support program participants with gaining the skills necessary to pursue post-secondary education.

The EOC grant is the College’s second TRIO grant. ESCC’s Student Support Services has received TRiO grants for over 40 years.

“We are excited about the opportunity to receive another TRiO grant and expand our ability to make a difference in our community,” Dean of Students Kassie Mathis said. “TRiO grants are about increasing awareness of post-secondary educational opportunities and helping those who are low income and educationally disadvantaged.”

EOC grant funding will allow the college to hire one full-time director, two full-time education specialists and a part-time tutor. All employees hired to work within the EOC grant will train to identify the obstacles (financial, personal, etc.) participants face and create a plan to overcome those barriers. There will also be a focus on adults seeking to obtain a secondary school diploma or GED.

“We believe that a large part of our population is out of high school but really needing assistance in taking the next steps toward bettering their lives,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “Education is the next step for these members of our community. Being one of a few community colleges in the state to receive this grant, we will be able to assist more people and help our residents move forward in developing successful careers.”

All services, workshops and one-on-one appointments through the Center will be available to residents in Coffee, Dale, Geneva and Houston Counties. EOC offices will also be available on both the Enterprise and Ozark campuses. The program will serve 850 participants across the service area.

“Our goal is to utilize the EOC grant to connect participants with the resources and assistance necessary to earn an education,” Mathis said. “The desired outcome is to help people improve their quality of life, increase their earning potential and motivate participants to build a legacy of educational achievement in their families.”

Cutline: Career/Transfer Coordinator for SSS for the Ozark Campus Lesia Grice, left, shows Dean of Students Kassie Mathis the many ways SSS helps their students be successful. SSS is funded by a TRiO grant, and ESCC will be receiving a second TRiO grant to set up an Educational Opportunity Center on the Ozark campus.

Two new partnerships are helping Enterprise State Community College expand its adult education and workforce development efforts in the Wiregrass.

ESCC provides free Adult Education services to help students become college and career-ready. The College offers adult education classes at 15 locations throughout Coffee, Dale, Geneva, and Pike Counties, and thanks to Christ Community Church in Enterprise, the College can now add another site to the list.

“This free GED class is so crucial to the Christ Community Church family and what we believe is our mission to the Enterprise community and surrounding area,” Christ Community Church Lead Pastor Joey Turman said. “We are excited for the chance to help people earn their GED and continue their education. We feel that the completion of this program can be life-changing for those who participate. Acquiring a GED places many individuals in a more feasible position for gainful employment, and it opens the prospect for continued education to enhance an individual’s life. It has definitely been proven to open doors for others and be a tremendous blessing to families in the community.”

Not only will instructors provide adult education classes at Christ Community Church, but other services, like childcare, will be provided. The first class was held at the church on Sept. 7, and classes are scheduled to take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the church.

“I am personally thankful for our volunteers who have grasped the vision to make a difference in our community by helping others,” Turman said. “With so much trouble around us today with COVID, shutdowns, and many other tremendous challenges, Christ Community Church desires to be a place where people can find a helping hand and a caring heart.”

In addition to adding a new adult education site, ESCC is partnering with the City of Troy, Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Southeast AlabamaWorks to provide a unique workforce training opportunity for those 18 and older with misdemeanor records.

The Pike County Re-Entry Program (PREP) is a free program developed to “provide an opportunity for employment and the development of workforce skills for those who may have certain barriers ­– such as limited education, job experience or criminal record(s) – to gaining employment and give individuals a chance to build a life here in Pike County,” Cameron Rice, liaison for the City of Troy, said.

“The City of Troy is extremely excited to partner with ESCC and Southeast AlabamaWorks to create more opportunities for the citizens of Troy and Pike County, and we are looking forward to watching this program grow and helping many citizens in our city,” he said.

Participants in PREP will take Alabama Ready to Work (RTW) course offered through ESCC and learn industry-recognized skills like Precision Measurement and Basic Blueprint Reading while using the latest VR equipment, provided to the College by TransfrVR.

“From the governor down, Alabama has been pushing for dynamic programs like this one that allows us to engage more of our unreached workforce since reaching our record-low pre-pandemic unemployment numbers,” Southeast AlabamaWorks Workforce Development Manager Katie Thomas said of the program. “When unemployment compensation claims are less than three percent of the workforce, there is a shift from finding people who need a job to find people who want a job, which results in us shifting our strategies to reach our workforce’s potential.

“With those strategic shifts, our focus is less on finding what jobs are available for our citizens, and more on finding available workers for our business and industry partners,” Thomas said. “As a result of this program, and other re-entry programs across southeast Alabama, we can directly connect business and industry with more qualified talent pools, filled with people who want a second chance to work a full-time job.”

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce has identified “Second Chance Employers” in the community. According to Thomas, these employers have jobs available where PREP participants will be able to work with their hands, including in manufacturing, food production and general labor. After completing the six-week course, participants will be able to apply for open positions with these employers. Additionally, those who complete PREP and stay employed for six months will be eligible for an extension on repaying court fees.

To participate in PREP, individuals will need to contact the Pike County Court Referral Office. The first PREP class will be held on Sept. 14.

ESCC’s Director of Adult Education and Workforce Development Leigh Shiver said the College is proud to partner with these community organizations to provide more opportunities for success to those in the community.

“At Enterprise State, we want to help our students find their path forward, whether academically through our adult education classes or in their career with our workforce training opportunities,” Shiver said. “We are our community’s college, and with these new partnerships, we’re able to help more people within our community take those first steps toward their future. Our goal is to develop more partnerships like these in the future.”

Cutline: ESCC’s newest partner, Christ Community Church in Enterprise, will provide a new site for adult education services. Pictured, back row, from left, are ESCC Adult Education Instructor Jonathan Smith, Adult Education Coordinator Steve Graves and Director of Adult Education and Workforce Development Leigh Shiver. Pictured, front row, from left, are Christ Community Church GED Director and Instructor Cecelia Englewood, Lead Pastor Joey Turman, Adult Education Instructor Amanda Martin and student Jon Martin.

Enterprise State Community College is partnering with the City of Troy, Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Southeast AlabamaWorks to provide workforce training to those 18 and older with misdemeanor records in Pike County.

The Pike County Re-Entry Program (PREP) is a free program developed to “provide an opportunity for employment and the development of workforce skills for those who may have certain barriers ­­­– such as limited education, job experience or criminal record(s) – to gaining employment and give individuals a chance to build a life here in Pike County,” Cameron Rice, liaison for the City of Troy, said.

“The City of Troy is extremely excited to partner with ESCC and Southeast AlabamaWorks to create more opportunities for the citizens of Troy and Pike County, and we are looking forward to watching this program grow and helping many citizens in our city,” he said.

Participants in PREP will take Alabama Ready to Work (RTW) course offered through ESCC and learn industry-recognized skills like Precision Measurement and Basic Blueprint Reading while using the latest VR equipment, provided to the College by TransfrVR.

“From the governor down, Alabama has been pushing for dynamic programs like this one that allows us to engage more of our unreached workforce since reaching our record-low pre-pandemic unemployment numbers,” Southeast AlabamaWorks Workforce Development Manager Katie Thomas said of the program. “When unemployment compensation claims are less than three percent of the workforce, there is a shift from finding people who need a job to find people who want a job, which results in us shifting our strategies to reach our workforce’s potential.

“With those strategic shifts, our focus is less on finding what jobs are available for our citizens, and more on finding available workers for our business and industry partners,” Thomas said. “As a result of this program, and other re-entry programs across southeast Alabama, we can directly connect business and industry with more qualified talent pools, filled with people who want a second chance to work a full-time job.”

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce has identified “Second Chance Employers” in the community. According to Thomas, these employers have jobs available where PREP participants will be able to work with their hands, including in manufacturing, food production and general labor. After completing the six-week course, participants will be able to apply for open positions with these employers. Additionally, those who complete PREP and stay employed for six months will be eligible for an extension on repaying court fees.

To participate in PREP, individuals will need to contact the Pike County Court Referral Office. The first PREP class will be held on Sept. 14.

ESCC’s Director of Adult Education and Workforce Development Leigh Shiver said the College is proud to partner with the City of Troy, Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Southeast AlabamaWorks to provide more opportunities for success to those in the community.

“At Enterprise State, we want to help our students find their path forward, whether academically through our adult education classes or in their career with our workforce training opportunities,” Shiver said. “With this partnership, we’re able to help more people within our community take those first steps toward their future. Our goal is to develop more partnerships like this in the future.”

Cutlines: PREP: ESCC’s new partnership with the City of Troy, Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Southeast AlabamaWorks will provide workforce training to those 18 and older with misdemeanor records.

Enterprise State Community College’s Fine Arts Division is now home to an organ, valued at approximately $60,000, that will be used to increase fine arts offerings and honor a former ESCC instructor.

The new Viscount Prestige I Digital Organ was donated in memory of longtime ESCC – then Enterprise State Junior College – English instructor Rex Everage. Everage retired after 30 years of teaching at the College. He was known as a lover of music and played the organ at the local Episcopal church for many years.

“I realized the importance of great music to Rex when one morning as I parked, Rex, who was never late to class, remained in his car, swaying slightly and nodding his head,” Dr. Becky Armstrong, a former colleague and friend of Everage’s, said. “When I tapped on his car window to remind him that he had only a few minutes before his eight o’clock class, he replied that he would join me after the magnificent Handel Concerto ended; then he smiled happily as he rolled up the window and continued his private concert.”

To honor Everage’s love of music and the organ, the donated instrument will be installed in the College’s Multipurpose Room located in the Lurleen B. Wallace Student Center where many Fine Arts Department performances and events are held.

“I want the Fine Arts Division at ESCC to be a place for students to train and a place for the community to gather for wonderful music,” David Deal, a supporter of the arts who has served on ESCC’s Lyceum Committee and as the vice-president for the Coffee County Arts Alliance, said. Deal donated the instrument in memory of Everage. “Rex loved the organ, and he would want more students learning to play the instrument.”

Using the new organ, the College’s Fine Arts Division has added Private Organ lessons to its curriculum. Three students are currently enrolled in the class.

“Future plans are to add a short-term certificate in church music,” ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair Dr. Ken Thomas said. “Many local churches contact us seeking qualified students to work with their music program. As the community’s college, it is important for us to offer programs that meet the needs of community and industry partners.”

According to Thomas, church organists in Alabama could earn a yearly salary of over $40,000, and the national yearly salary for a church organist is over $52,000.

Scholarships for all fine arts programs are still available. For questions about scholarships or for those interested in learning more about fine arts programs, contact Dr. Ken Thomas at kthomas@escc.edu.

The first public performance with the new organ will be Sunday, Aug. 8, at 3:30 p.m. during the Coffee County Arts Alliance’s “An Afternoon with Art and Music” event, which will be held from 2-4 p.m. in Forrester Hall. The public is invited to attend the event and the performance.

Cutline: David Deal, left, donated a new Viscount Prestige I Digital Organ to the ESCC Fine Arts Division in memory of Rex Everage. The instrument will be used during performances and to increase fine arts music offerings. Pictured, right, is ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair Dr. Ken Thomas.

Enterprise State Community College and Alabama Aviation College students will soon receive more stimulus funds for attending college classes.

This will be the third disbursement of federal dollars to students enrolled in classes at ESCC. To date, the College has distributed $1.2 million dollars to students through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was originally signed into law on March 27, 2020.

In addition to disbursing funds to students, previous disbursements to the College were also used to purchase technology to assist faculty, staff, and students to the total transition to online learning in 2020, such as laptops for the College’s Laptop Loaner Program, as well as safety equipment for both campuses.

“These CARES funds are dollars going back to the colleges to benefit students in different ways,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “These funds are there to personally help students overcome hardships created by the pandemic so they aren’t having to put their education on hold, and they allow us as a college to make our campus an environment for our students to safely learn and train.”

For the 2021-22 academic year, ESCC will receive approximately $2.3 million in CARES Act grant funds. The $2.3 million will be fully distributed to eligible ESCC/AAC students. Students attending classes during the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters who qualify under the federal program are eligible to receive a disbursement.

The final amount to be received by students for the 2021-22 academic year will not be determined until enrollment numbers are finalized each semester. These dollars are intended to help students with technology, course material, health care and childcare costs as well as other essential college needs.

Students are urged to sign up for a direct deposit to receive this payment quicker. Students may receive the funds by mail or through direct deposit. To ensure that funds are correctly distributed, students are asked to log into their MyESCC account and verify that all mailing and banking information is up to date.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to provide additional financial support to students during this difficult time,” Mathis said. “Many of our students and their families have experienced significant financial setbacks as a result of the pandemic. Our hope is that the stimulus grants will enable our students to continue their education at ESCC in the fall.”

Registration for the fall semester is still happening at ESCC and AAC. For individuals interested in attending classes in the fall who have not applied, the College’s free application can be found at escc.edu/apply. To register for the fall semester, students can visit escc.edu/registration and follow the steps to register.

Enterprise State Community College will offer a new Digital Multimedia program through the College’s Fine Arts Division starting this Fall 2021 semester.

“This program was actually the brainchild of Dr. Jean Johnson, retired ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair,” current ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair Dr. Ken Thomas said. “Since her retirement, we have been working to get this program up and running.”

This program will help meet the growing need for graphic designers, producers, and other multimedia artists. According to the 2021 Statewide List of In-Demand Occupations, Graphic Designers, Music Directors, AV Equipment Technicians, and Producers and Directors are listed as in-demand careers, with median annual salaries ranging from $33-58,000. Additionally, Graphic Designer is also listed on the Region 6 In-Demand Occupations list.

Thomas said the program would also provide skills training in a field of interest for many in the area.

“After many inquiries from prospective students, Vice President/Dean of Instruction Daniel Long encouraged us to start the program, so we revised the program curriculum and submitted the application for approval,” he said.

Digital Multimedia will be a two-year associate degree program that is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers using multimedia, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game, and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, and photography.

The program will consist of 65 credit hours. Classes in this program will include Two-Dimensional Composition, Digital Photography, Computer Graphics I, and Digital Video Production. Students will also learn to use video and audio recording equipment and software as part of the program.

Practicum Field Experience will be required to graduate from the program. This will be completed through projects completed with various College departments or with outside industry partners if requested.

“The program will certainly add to the Fine Arts technical programs, and we are excited about getting started,” Thomas said.

Scholarships are currently available for this program. Students interested in applying for a fine arts scholarship can contact Dr. Ken Thomas at kthomas@escc.edu.

Cutlines: Art Instructors Lynn Ledbetter, left, and Leslie Gibson will be teaching some of the core classes that will be offered through the Digital Multimedia program.

Enterprise State Community College’s Fine Arts Spring Concert and Student Art Show will offer a showcase of the arts virtually.

This annual ESCC event is traditionally held on campus in the Fine Arts building for visitors to see student talent and work from the spring semester. This year, the event will be offered virtually as a pre-recorded concert and art show that will be available online starting May 6 at 6 p.m. The event will be featured on ESCC’s Facebook and Youtube pages.

Fine Arts Division Chair Dr. Ken Thomas said the spring showcase is a way to highlight the hard work the students put in for their performances and projects throughout the semester.

“It is important for our students to set and meet their goals,” Thomas said. “Although there have been many challenges this academic year, our students have continued to meet or surpass their individual and collective goals.”

This year, the concert will feature performances by the ESCC Camerata, ESCC Concert Choir, ESCC Entertainers and ESCC Jazz/Show Band, ESCC Percussion Ensemble, and the ESCC Concert Band. Musical pieces performed by these groups will include: “Sing to the Lord,” “O My Love’s Like a Red, Red Rose,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “Total Praise,” “Psalm 100,” “Ride On, King Jesus,” “Land of a Thousand Dances,” “Seasons of Love,” “Jump,” “Hot, Hot, Hot,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Tallis’s Canon,” “Non knobs, Domine,” and “Flow, O, My Tears!” Percussion pieces will include: “Taiko A La Tom-Tom” and “Red Rock Canyon.” There will also be piano and vocal solos performed by students and instructors.

In addition to the musical performances, student art will also be featured, with the pieces being recorded as they hang in Forrester Hall prior to the event.

“Our students receive first-class instruction, second to none,” Thomas said about the fine arts educational experience at ESCC. “This is evident through their artwork and performances.

“The students have amazed me with their tenacity. They look forward to the limited time they have been able to come to the campus for instruction and rehearsal. This is a testament to the commitment our instructors have to our students and their artistic abilities. The arts and music will live forever.”

Thomas said those who are interested in completing a fine arts program at the College can still apply for a fine arts scholarship.

Scholarships are available to qualified students through a music and theater audition process and/or an art portfolio review. Interested students can contact Dr. Thomas at kthomas@escc.edu or they can complete the Enterprise State Community College Scholarship Application at escc.edu/scholarships.

Cutlines:

Piano: ESCC Fine Arts student Connor Howell, left, and Instructor Carol Windham perform a piano duet as part of the Spring Concert and Student Art Show.

Percussion Band: ESCC’s Percussion Ensemble will perform pieces such as “Taiko A La Tom-Tom” and “Red Rock Canyon” during the spring concert.

Concert Band: ESCC’s Concert Band will perform such pieces as “Knockout” and “Grooved Pavement Ahead.”

Enterprise State Community College has added two new members to its recruitment team.

Cassie Gibbs will serve the College as the recruiter for the Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State. Gibbs has been at the College since August 2019, where she served as the Communication Marketing Specialist in the Public Relations Department. She will bring her knowledge of ESCC and AAC to her new position as well as her skills in communication, marketing and social media management. Previous to her time at the College, she worked as a staff writer for The Southeast Sun/Daleville Sun-Courier.

A native of Sweet Water, Gibbs received both her bachelor’s degree in English and her master’s degree in Strategic Communication from Troy University.

“I am very excited to join the recruitment team at ESCC and the Alabama Aviation College,” Gibbs said. “While I’ve been at the College the last year and a half, I have seen firsthand just how much this College has done and can do for its students and community. I am so ready to meet potential students so I can share all the great opportunities available to them and help them take those first steps toward their future.”

Cayden Hess is serving as the newest recruiter for the ESCC campus. Previous to joining the ESCC team, Hess worked as a brand specialist for Crazy Cool & Company and graphic designer for Enterprise Printing and Signs. She is bringing her skills in media management, marketing and event planning to the role.

Hess is a 2019 graduate of ESCC, where she received her associate degree. While attending ESCC, Hess was an active member of the Camerata, Concert Choir and ESCC Entertainers; Phi Theta Kappa; Student Government Association; and the WOW Team. After attending ESCC, Hess received her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Troy University. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Strategic Communication from Troy University.

“I am so honored to be back at Enterprise State Community College,” Hess said. “My time here as a student challenged me to dream big and pursue more, so I cannot wait to help students do just that while taking those next steps in furthering their education. I cannot wait to meet you all. Go Weevils!”

Gibbs and Hess are joining current ESCC Recruiter and Career Coach Emily Baker. Both recruiters started their new roles on April 7.

ESCC President Matt Rodgers said both Gibbs and Hess will be great additions to the ESCC recruiting team.

“We here at Enterprise State and the Alabama Aviation College are committed to recruiting students from the schools and communities in the Wiregrass, and I am excited to have Cassie Gibbs and Cayden Hess join our recruitment team,” Rodgers said. “Along with their personal connections to the College, Cassie and Cayden both have a strong desire to provide our students with opportunities to further their education and enter the workforce. They are going to work well with our lead recruiter Emily Baker, and I know we will see amazing things from this group.”

Cutline: Cassie Gibbs, left, and Cayden Hess joined ESCC and AAC as recruiters on April 7.

For a second year, Enterprise State Community College has reopened its scholarship application and increased scholarship funding by $150,000.

ESCC offers a variety of scholarships for academics, technical and career interests, and participation in fine arts, athletics, and leadership activities. The $150,000 increase in funding will affect all areas.

“Over the last two years, we have increased our scholarship offerings here at Enterprise State by $250,000,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “Thanks to enrollment increases, grant opportunities, and being good stewards of our money, we have been very fortunate, so we’re taking that money and investing it back into our students and our community.”

The first round of scholarship recipients – those who applied by the March 1 deadline – were notified of their award on Friday, April 9. If a student previously applied for a scholarship but did not receive one, his or her name will be kept in the applicant pool for consideration after the June 1 deadline.

During the first round, ESCC awarded 73 technical, career, and academic scholarships. Additional scholarships, such as leadership or student organization scholarships, have also been awarded.

The scholarship application reopened on April 12 at escc.edu/scholarships. The new deadline to apply will be June 1. With the reopening of the application, high school valedictorians and salutatorians are encouraged to apply for the Presidential Scholarship, which covers all tuition costs.

“These Presidential Scholarship offers are on the table,” Rodgers said. “We are proud to offer them to our local valedictorians and salutatorians, and we would love to have those students join us in the fall.”

Prior to increasing total scholarship amounts for the first time last year, ESCC previously increased scholarship amounts for athletics and fine arts as part of an initiative to increase participation. These areas will also see an increase this year as part of the $150,000 total increase.

The College offers athletics scholarships for baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s basketball. While the College has continually increased athletic scholarship funding for the past three years, ESCC will offer the maximum amount of scholarships for each sport per NJCAA recommendations for the Fall 2021 semester: 24 baseball and softball scholarships and 15 scholarships for men’s and women’s basketball.

“We want to give our coaches the best resources to develop strong, successful student-athletes,” Rodgers said. “By investing in our students and our athletic facilities, we’re showing our community that we are here to compete at a high level.

“Additionally, our Fine Arts Division does great things for our campus and community,” he said. “Dr. Thomas and our Fine Arts Department staff are second to none, and they do a fantastic job teaching and leading our students, who are great ambassadors of our College not only on campus but across the Wiregrass and nation as well.”

For students who are interested in attending Fall 2021 classes but who have not already applied, applications are being accepted at this time. The College’s free application can be found at escc.edu/apply. Individuals who would like to learn more about the College and its programs or take a tour of campus can visit escc.edu/admissions to reach out to a recruiter or take the College’s virtual tour.

In addition to the scholarship application, students who plan to attend ESCC/AAC during the fall semester are encouraged to complete the 2021-22 FAFSA at studentaid.gov and use school code 001015 for ESCC/AAC. For more information about the FAFSA and ESCC financial aid, visit escc.edu/financialaid.

For individuals interested in getting a head start on their degree or training, summer classes are an option at ESCC. Open registration for Summer 2021 will begin Thursday, April 15. Students are encouraged to speak with their adviser before registering for summer classes through their myESCC account. Once summer registration begins, summer pell grants will start being processed. For transient students who wish to take summer courses, visit escc.edu/admissions to begin the enrollment process.

“While the pandemic has been difficult, we are coming out of this time even better than ever,” Rodgers said. “We have kept up our momentum with facilities upgrades, the additions, and new programs and, now, offering our students additional opportunities for scholarships for school. We want to help anyone who wants to go to college for a degree or training to have that opportunity.

“Exciting things are happening here at Enterprise State,” he said. “We would love to have you take part and join us.”

Cutline: New Brockton: Members of the Enterprise State Community College team presented New Brockton High School’s Valedictorian Haley Jones and Salutatorian Jordan Boland with Presidential Scholarships. Pictured, from the left, are Director of Financial Aid Dr. Kevin Ammons, Vice President/Dean of Instruction Danny Long, Jones, Boland, Recruiter Emily Baker, and President Matt Rodgers.