Latest News

Contact: Jana Brackett
770-316-2103
jana.brackett@waynefarms.com

Frank Singleton/Media Relations
fes01@att.net
678-316-4237

OAKWOOD, GA. (July 9, 2020) – Fierce competition for skilled employees has prompted Wayne Farms and the Alabama Community College System to develop the state’s first accredited workforce development apprenticeship program. The education and industry partnership between Wayne Farms and two area community colleges was developed to focus on hard-to-fill mechanical, electrical and technical positions. The matching programs at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College and Enterprise State Community College will work directly with Wayne Farms to implement the new Mechatronics degree, with students completing a two-year syllabus of classroom instruction in tandem with on-the-job paid technical internships. 

According to Matt Rodgers, President of Enterprise State Community College, “Community colleges play a critical role in workforce development because we must see workforce needs and ensure our students are highly trained and certified to meet those needs.”

Wayne Farms has grown significantly in South Alabama over the last few years, regionally investing more than $300 million in a new feed mill in Ozark and expanded processing complexes in Enterprise and Dothan. The equipment and technology upgrades have transformed the facilities into modern, technology-driven operations, demanding a much deeper skillset than poultry plant maintenance work has traditionally required. “As this industry has become more sophisticated, we need people with the skills and training necessary to perform in that environment,” said Patricia Powell, Wayne Farms South Alabama HR Manager. “Maintenance positions in a modern facility like ours are hard to staff—the demand is always high.” Wayne Farms Maintenance Manager Roger Allen oversees the industry-education partnership locally for the company, and agreed that highly skilled, technically-oriented maintenance positions are some of the hardest in the industry to fill. “It’s getting harder and harder,” said Allen. “Plants have become very technical—robotics, automation, PLC’s, and Variable Frequency Drives—so we worked with the schools to develop a program that could meet the need better than on-the-job training alone.”

“Today, there is a critical need for employees with technology-focused skills, so we are proud to offer a Mechatronics program that provides essential training in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering and the opportunity to receive industry-recognized NC3 Certifications.  We are excited to join LBW and the Alabama Community College System in partnering with Wayne Farms to not only develop a pipeline that connects our students to successful careers but also fills a need in our local workforce,” continued ESCC’s Rodgers.

The dual-purpose apprenticeship is fully-accredited and helps fill the industry demand for qualified applicants while also fulfilling the college system’s role as partner with the state’s Alabama Works economic development program, helping drive regional employment and economic growth. “This actually started after a conversation with Wayne Farms HR representative Patricia Powell,” said Jennifer Hall, Associate Dean of Adult Education, Workforce Development and Continuing Education at LBWCC. “They were being challenged to find technically-qualified employees for these highly-skilled positions.” The discussions that followed validated that initial conversation—partnering on an education and industry apprenticeship program would help meet the high demand for technically-qualified people at Wayne Farms and other area manufacturers, and the community colleges were logical platforms to deliver on that demand. “We’re excited to meet the needs of industry and provide an opportunity for our students to “earn while they learn” through a competency based apprenticeship where they will receive on the job training while pursuing their industrial electronics degree.”

Dr. Chris Cox, LBWCC Interim President, concurred. “Apprenticeships have proven to prepare workers for highly-skilled jobs while meeting the needs of business and industry for many years.  I can’t tell you how excited LBWCC is to join ESCC in serving as a state model for an apprenticeship.  To my knowledge, this unique partnership is the first time two colleges in Alabama have joined together to sponsor apprentices for a local company. We are grateful for Wayne Farms and the opportunities they provide for our students.”

Ian Campbell, Director of Workforce Development for ESCC, explained. “We’re working directly with industry to build a program to fill this need and also gives students opportunities right here—that’s the entire goal,” said Campbell. “A graduate of this apprenticeship program comes to work with skills that make them immediately valuable. With that kind of labor force available, this area is that much more attractive to companies and business locating here.” 

Enterprise native and Wayne Farms Enterprise complex manager Eddie Fortner had already been working with local high schools and colleges to identify promising mechanical and technical students who might be interested in a career in the poultry industry, so the program’s creation was a natural evolution. The local colleges toured facilities with the Wayne Farms team, looking at the kinds of tasks and skills required, and identifying skills needed to develop curriculum. The end result was a melding of in-class education and job site paid internships that when completed can lead to apprenticeships and the opportunity for full-time employment at a highly competitive salary. “It gives an opportunity to get good people who are ready to work and know what we need, and it allows local residents the opportunity to work close to home rather than commute or relocate to find employment,” said Fortner.

Both local community colleges are rightfully proud of their role in building the groundbreaking program. “We’re building a constant pipeline of qualified people—people with skills that are relevant now and will be in the future,” said Stephen Schmidt, PR director for ESCC.

As technology becomes more advanced in industry, these “new collar” positions will require skills to match, giving people a career opportunity instead of just a job. High school vocational and technical students interested in the program can inquire through their guidance counselor, and information is also available through both area community colleges.

Cutline: A new partnership with Wayne Farms will provide apprenticeship opportunities to Enterprise State Community College Mechatronics students. Pictured, back row, from left, are ESCC Dean of Instruction Danny Long, ESCC Director of Workforce Development Ian Campbell, ESCC Mechatronics Instructor Aubri Hanson. Pictured, front row, from left, are ESCC President Matt Rodgers, Maintenance Manager Roger Allen, Wayne Farms Enterprise Complex Manager Eddie Fortner and Wayne Farms South Alabama HR Manager Patricia Powell.

About Wayne Farms LLC

Wayne Farms LLC is the seventh-largest vertically integrated poultry producer in the U.S. with annual sales exceeding $2 billion. A subsidiary of Continental Grain Company, Wayne Farms owns and operates 11 fresh and further-processed facilities throughout the Southeast, produces more than 2.6 billion pounds of poultry products each year, and employs more than 9,000 individuals. Producing products under the brand names of WAYNE FARMS® fresh and prepared chicken; PLATINUM HARVEST® premium fresh chicken; CHEF’S CRAFT® gourmet chicken; NAKED TRUTH® premium chicken; and LADYBIRD™ premium chicken, Wayne Farms has a well-known history of delivering exceptional poultry products to some of the largest industrial, institutional, and foodservice companies across America.

A new articulation agreement between Enterprise State Community College and the University of West Alabama will make credit transfer easier for students and provide them access to more UWA scholarship opportunities. 

The articulation agreement between the two institutions was signed on Thursday, June 18, on ESCC’s campus.

“Providing a pathway for students to further their education, thereby enhancing their quality of life, is at the forefront of UWA’s mission,” UWA President Dr. Ken Tucker said. “Partnerships like this with Enterprise State Community College will help students more easily navigate the transfer process and find the educational opportunities at UWA that best fit their career goals.”

The agreement guarantees admission to all ESCC students with at least a 2.0 GPA and 45 transferable credit hours or a completed associate degree from ESCC. 

Students who transfer with a 3.0 GPA or higher will be able to apply for academic scholarships ($3,000-$4,000) that can be renewed for up to four consecutive semesters. ESCC students who receive academic scholarships and plan to live on-campus at UWA will also be eligible to apply for a non-renewable $2,000 housing scholarship for their first year at the university. 

Students will also have access to pre-transfer advising with an academic advisor, offered either at ESCC and/or on the UWA campus.

Instrumental in establishing this partnership was ESCC Recruiter Adonis Bozeman, an 2015 alumnus of UWA. He said the UWA slogan, “Do Something That Matters,” helped inspire the efforts to collaborate with university. 

“I am proud of this partnership with the University of West Alabama that gives our students an opportunity to further their education with more scholarship opportunities,” Bozeman said. “I wanted to create an opportunity for students in the Wiregrass area to receive the same Tiger experience as I did. A great contribution to establishing this partnership was keeping the close relationships I received in undergrad. I would like to thank my good friends (Vice President for Student Affairs) Richard Hester and President Dr. Ken Tucker for always being a phone call away even after I graduated.” 

ESCC President Matt Rodgers said he is proud to offer ESCC students more great transfer opportunities through this new partnership. 

“We are proud of the partnership between ESCC and the University of West Alabama,” he said. “This agreement with this great educational institution aligns with our mission here at ESCC to provide students with the best opportunities to further their education and enter the workforce. We are looking forward to seeing this relationship grow for the benefit of our students.”

Cutline: ESCC and UWA signed an articulation agreement that outlines the path for ESCC students who wish to transfer to UWA. Pictured, back row, from left, are Vice President for Student Affairs Richard Hester, Recruiter Adonis Bozeman, Dean of Instruction Danny Long and Associate Dean of Students/Director of Financial Aid Dr. Kevin Ammons. Pictured, front, from left, are UWA President Dr. Ken Tucker and ESCC President Matt Rodgers. 

This fall, Enterprise State Community College will see the completion of a recently approved project that will provide improved courtyard spaces and social areas on campus. 

“We’re excited to see the upgrades to our courtyard areas,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “This project will make a big difference to the look of our campus.” 

The project includes the green space in between Sessions Hall, Snuggs Hall and Wallace Administration Building as well as the courtyard area at the center of ESCC’s campus as well as well. Work on the project began Monday, May 18.

Social areas will also be upgraded and added throughout the courtyard areas for students, faculty and staff to enjoy throughout the year. New sod will be placed, and a new irrigation system will be installed to maintain the greenery that will be planted as part of the beautification of the courtyard areas. 

According to Rodgers, this project was influenced by not only ESCC administration, but the entire ESCC family and its community. 

“We’ve met with our students, faculty and staff to get their input on what they would like to see happen with our courtyard areas,” he said. “We are the community’s college, so we wanted to make sure we 

talked to members of the community to get their input, too. 

“We appreciated the suggestions and comments that came from everyone involved in this project. We can’t wait for this project to be complete and share the great work being done on our campus.” 

The courtyard project is expected to be completed in September.

Cutlines: Work began on the irrigation system on May 18 in front of Sessions Hall. This system will help maintain the greenery that will be added as part of the project, which is expected to be complete in September. 

Enterprise State Community College and Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State, will reopen on June 2 for technical students to return to campus to complete spring semester classes.

“The safety and well-being of our students and employees is our top priority,” Rodgers said. “From the beginning, we have been methodical in planning a return to campus. Our preparation has been lengthy, but our goal has always been to do our best to minimize the risk while maintaining the quality of training and instruction.”

ESCC/AAC transitioned to online learning on March 17, but technical and specialized courses were ultimately suspended until students could return to complete hands-on training. On May 21, Gov. Kay Ivey announced an amended Safer At Home order that allowed educational institutions to reopen while following social distancing, sanitation and facial covering guidelines. 

When campuses closed, College administration and faculty began working on a COVID-19 Mitigation Plan that met guidelines provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) office, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office and state health officials, local Emergency Management Agency representatives and local health professionals. This plan, which included the June 2 return date for both campuses, was accepted by the ACCS office last week. 

“All of us are excited about teaching our students again,” AAC Director Stan Smith said. “Our faculty and staff are dedicated to prioritizing student safety while maintaining the high educational and training standards for which we are known. 

“For the remainder of the summer, we will finish our spring semester in smaller groups, specifically at AAC, to reduce risk. Our students are training for high demand and high wage jobs. We are excited to prepare them for the workforce.”

The majority of summer technical instruction will be delivered on the AAC campus in Ozark while a small number of students will return to the Enterprise campus. To comply with guidelines provided by the governor, schedules have been altered to reduce the number of students on campus at a given time. 

In order to further minimize risks and ensure a successful return to campus, essential steps were taken by employees and students. These steps included:

• Contacting students to inform them of the process to return to class,
• Updating student contact information, 
• Ensuring that all students, faculty and staff members completed the online COVID-19 Training Course that was created by AAC instructors Aubri Hanson and Glen Brackin,
• Providing face masks and requiring the use of a mask while students and employees were in the presence of others in any ESCC/AAC building, and
• Providing safety goggles and gloves for use in labs when appropriate.

As part of the COVID-19 Mitigation Plan, plexiglass safety shields were purchased for employees, and sanitization and social distancing signage was placed on both campuses. Sanitation and cleaning protocols for each area of both campuses have also been established as part of the plan.

AAC instructors also rearranged classrooms and labs to be in compliance with new social distancing guidelines. Instructors also joined ESCC/AAC administration in conducting walkthroughs with Alabama Technology Network hygienist Jared Choat.

Administration and faculty members received COVID-19 response training and practiced the established response protocols found in the plan.  

“We, as a community college, serve a very important role, especially today,” Rodgers said. “While COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work, essential workers across industries, from trucking to emergency medical services, are standing on the front lines to help our communities and nation get through this pandemic. It is critical that we provide the instruction to keep our essential workers trained and in the field. 

“We are ready to have our students return to our campuses, and we are doing everything we can to make that return as safe as possible.” 

Cutline: Sanitation and social distancing signage has been placed on both campuses as part of the COVID-19 Mitigation Plan for ESCC/AAC.

Using four target areas of people, programs, facilities and community, Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College are continuing to grow while preparing for a time when students can return to campus. 

When campuses closed March 17, instruction and student support services transitioned online. 

“It has been really impressive to see our instructors meet the challenge of transitioning to an online environment,” Dean of Instruction Danny Long said. “They kept their focus on meeting the needs of our students without jeopardizing the quality of instruction. Our faculty is the heart and soul of our College, and they give the administration of the College confidence that we can meet any challenges we may be faced with in the future.”

The transition to online learning was a smooth one, according to ESCC President Matt Rodgers, because of the hard work and patience of the employees and students. 

“I commend the faculty and staff at Enterprise State and the Aviation College for their hard work during this time, and I am proud of the great attitudes of our students as they adapted to the changes,” he said.

Academic courses were completed online this spring semester. Technical classes, like those offered at the AAC campus, were ultimately suspended until hands-on training could be completed. No date has been set for students to return to campus to complete their spring semester training.

Rodgers said there is an understanding that the needs of the workforce could change as a result of COVID-19, a challenge both Colleges will rise to meet when students can return to campus. 

“We realize that colleges will have to be flexible,” Rodgers said. “This is a new day and age where people will need to re-trained or receive new training in a different field. We will use the resources available to us to offer the type of training people need to help get people back to work in the safest manner possible.” 

Academic courses will continue to be offered exclusively online at ESCC for the summer semester, with classes in areas like business, computer science, English and math. Two mechatronics courses will also be offered online this summer for any interested in starting the program. Long said ESCC plans to continue to offer a multitude of online academic course options in the future. 

Currently, there are about 100 more students enrolled in summer academic classes at ESCC than last year at this time, an increase that Rodgers attributes to the work of “a great student services team.” Summer registration will continue until May 26, the first day of classes for the summer semester. Students can visit escc.edu/admission to apply. 

ESCC’s Adult Education Program is also offering online classes. This program helps students become career ready through classes designed to help adult learners improve their academic and life skills. Students can request more information at https://escc.edu/AAESAP/ or learn more about the Adult Education Program at escc.edu/adult-education. 

To prepare for the return of students and employees, ESCC/AAC created a task force to develop an extensive COVID-19 Mitigation Plan that continues to evolve based on information provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Gov. Kay Ivey’s Office and local medical professional Dr. Beverly Jordan. 

Dr. Beverly Jordan, a physician with Professional Medical Associates in Enterprise, complimented the College’s administration on their preparations. 

“I have been very impressed by the work of the administration at ESCC in their preparation to reopen the campus to on site instruction,” Jordan said. “They have been welcoming of medical and public health opinions and are clearly prioritizing the needs of their students and faculty.”

As part of the Mitigation Plan, both Colleges have purchased plexiglass safety shields for employees, developed clear sanitation plans and cleaning protocols for both campuses, and placed appropriate signage on both campuses. Students and employees will be required to complete an online COVID-19 training course and wear PPEs in campus buildings while maintaining social distancing guidelines. AAC instructors have also been working to prepare classrooms and labs to be in compliance with new social distancing guidelines for the day students can return to campus for training. 

“Reopening our campuses will not be an event,” Rodgers said. “It will be a process that requires much care and planning to ensure its success. Our primary concern is the safety of our faculty, staff and students. We also want to make sure all of our people are properly trained and equipped. We are taking every possible measure to create the safest environment possible for both of our campuses.”

While ESCC/AAC prepare for the return of students to campus, renovation projects to learning facilities and a beautification project to ESCC’s courtyard are currently in progress or in the pre-construction stages. 

At ESCC, bathroom upgrades in Wallace Administration Building are complete. Renovations to Sessions Hall, which houses the College’s science and math classes, are ongoing, and a courtyard beautification project was recently approved, with work starting May 18. Both the Sessions Hall and courtyard project are expected to be completed this fall. 

At AAC, renovations to the Rufus Barnett Building have been approved, with work expected to begin in the fall. Once renovations are complete, this building will have a new lobby, testing rooms, classrooms, offices, restrooms and a new engine overhaul lab. 

Other projects, like a new CDL canopy and renovations to the AAC Learning Resource Center, are also in the pre-planning stages. 

The ultimate goal of all the projects and preparations, according to Rodgers, is to make sure ESCC/AAC continue to serve their communities during uncertain times. 

“Through the good times and the bad, we stand ready to serve,” Rodgers said. “We view our role as critical in the recovery process of this pandemic, and we take pride in being the community’s college. We are thankful for the support we receive, and we will continue to serve our community in any way we can.” 

Enterprise State Community College and Alabama Aviation College students will soon receive $571.25 in emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, provides colleges and universities emergency funds to be used by the institutions and distributed to their students. The amount provided to each college or university is based on the number of students eligible for federal Pell Grants during the most recent academic year.

ESCC will receive a total of $1.2 million dollars. Half ($620,369.50) of these funds will be distributed to eligible students (1,086 students were eligible and received funds) who were enrolled at ESCC or AAC on March 16 and meet eligibility requirements.

According to federal regulations, an eligible student is one who was enrolled in a degree or certificate program in Spring 2020 on March 16, was taking at least one traditional course that was transitioned online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who is FAFSA-eligible as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Dual Enrollment, transient, and distance learning (only) students do not qualify.

These dollars are intended to help students with the costs of technology, course materials, health care, child care and other essential college needs.

“It’s important for students to get these funds because so many were impacted during this pandemic,” ESCC President Rodgers said. “We will work as fast as possible to distribute these funds to our students to help them.”

Students will receive the funds by mail or through direct deposit. To ensure that funds are correctly distributed, students are asked to login to their myESCC account and verify that all mailing and banking information is up to date.

The remainder of the $1.2 million will be used by the college to purchase technology needed for instructors and staff to continue to provide online instruction. Both Colleges transitioned to online learning on March 17.

“We are so appreciative to the legislators who approved this money,” Rodgers said. “These funds will go a long way to help our students.”

Graduation looks different this year, but Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College plan to continue recognizing their graduates and students’ achievements with virtual commencement and honors day services. 

“Graduation is a special time for all students,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “We’re living in uncertain times, but those students who have completed their education should still be recognized in any way we can right now. 

“It’s also important to congratulate all our students at both Colleges on their academic achievements. We’re proud of their accomplishments, so we decided to host a virtual graduation and virtual honor’s day events to recognize them.”

Students graduating this spring semester are invited to attend the next traditional commencement service held at ESCC as honored guests. Their names will be the first called during the graduation service, according to Rodgers.  

“We are celebrating their accomplishments now, but everyone at ESCC and AAC want our Spring 2020 graduates to know they are welcome to return and be recognized at our next in-person graduation service,” he said.

The ESCC Virtual Commencement and Honor’s Day Ceremony for graduates and ESCC honor students will be held on Monday, May 18, at 5 p.m. This event will begin with the recognition of honor students, including division honors; 4.0 and 3.5 GPA students; the ESCC Presidents Cup winner; and the All-Alabama academic selections. Recognition of the 2020 graduates will follow.

AAC student achievements will be recognized during a special Virtual Honor’s Assembly on Tuesday, May 19, at 5 p.m. This virtual assembly will include recognition of 4.0 and 3.5 GPA students, short-term certificate completers, technical program awards, the Ivy C. Whittaker winner, all AAC course completers, and A&P coin recipients.

Graduates and honor students are encouraged to join each other in celebration by showcasing how they are watching services by posting their pictures social media using #ESCC2020 and tagging ESCC or AAC. Graduates are also encouraged to share pictures that highlight their favorite memories of being a Boll Weevil on social media using #ESCCGrad. ESCC’s social media team will repost photos and videos, and compile all photos to create a special SmugMug album to share. 

More information about commencement and honor’s day services can be found at escc.edu/commencement. The service will also be available to watch on the Enterprise State Community College and Alabama Aviation College Facebook pages and the Enterprise State Community College YouTube channel. 

“Congratulations to all our students who are being recognized or are graduating,” Rodgers said. “We are proud to join you in celebrating your many achievements. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, especially during these past few weeks. 

“Thank you also to our faculty and staff at ESCC and AAC for their hard work transitioning classes online while continuing to support and encourage our students. Our students are special to us because you don’t leave with just a degree or certificate from ESCC or AAC. You leave with a family.” 

Cutline: Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College will host virtual commencement and honor’s day events to recognize the 2020 graduates and honor students. ESCC President Matt Rodgers, along with deans and directors from both colleges, will take part to honor students.

Beginning this fall, the Rufus Barnett Building at the Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State Community College, will see renovations to learning spaces and other areas to meet the training needs of its students.

“Due to workforce shortages and high salaries, there has been a lot of excitement in the aviation industry in recent years that has transferred to the Alabama Aviation College,” AAC Director Stan Smith said. “I’m thrilled to give our students the best facilities we can afford. The Rufus Barnett building was built in 1967, and it’s time to modernize it to meet growing demands in the aviation industry.” 

Barnett houses AAC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) classes, other learning spaces and offices, and a second hangar. After renovations, the building will have a new lobby, testing rooms, classrooms, offices and bathrooms. The building will also have a new engine overhaul lab and storage area that can also be used as a classroom. 

AAC Instructor Jerry Northway, who teaches Airframe & Powerplant classes in Barnett Building, called the renovation project a “super makeover.”

“I am excited to be able to teach in a completely modernized facility that will include a point of use tool system, electronic manuals, electronic torque wrenches and electronic measuring tools,” Northway said. “The building will be completely revised from the ground up with expanded classroom sizes and lab facilities.”

Exterior work will also be included in the renovation project. After renovations are complete, the building will have new exterior windows, doors and signs. Regrading will occur and new drainage will be installed around the building. Paving work will also be completed around Barnett, which will have a new transformer, power and electrical service. 

Additionally, a new fence will be added between Barnett and AAC’s Brown Building, and the canopy over the connector sidewalk between the two buildings will be removed. 

Work on the project is planned to begin on August 1. ESCC and AAC administration are currently developing a relocation plan for classes held in the building. The project is expected to be completed by Summer 2021.

“Our goal is to provide the best hands-on training and learning environment to our students,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “These improvements will make sure that we continue to meet the needs of our students and an ever-changing workforce.”

Funds for the project come from the $3.5 million state grant from Gov. Kay Ivey announced in 2018. The funds are part of the Alabama Capital Improvement Trust Fund, which awards funds for projects that promote economic development and industrial recruitment in the state.

A new incentive program funded by the Enterprise State Community College Foundation is increasing financial assistance options for students who want to attend summer classes at ESCC. 

Through the new ESCC Foundation Summer Incentive Program, a student can pay for one three-hour credit course during the summer semester and take a second course for free. 

ESCC President Matt Rodgers thanked the Foundation for its continued support of the College and its decision to fund the incentive program. 

“I want to thank the ESCC Foundation Directors for their unwavering support of the College and our community,” Rodgers said. “This funding will help students attend college and not put their education on hold due to the COVID-19 crisis. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity provided by our Foundation.”

“The College and Foundation have a wonderful partnership. We share a common goal of supporting our students and faculty. We are all in this together.”

ESCC Foundation President Chad Meeks said the Foundation was proud to provide assistance to students who wanted to take summer classes. 

“Enterprise State recently approved additional scholarship funds for the fall semester, and the Foundation Board unanimously agreed to provide funding to help students with classes during the summer semester,” Meeks said. “The Foundation is proud to be able to offer financial assistance to the ESCC students during this difficult time. We sincerely hope that current and prospective students alike will take advantage of this great opportunity.”

Summer transient students, 2020 high school graduates, dual enrollment students and current or prospective ESCC students can apply for the ESCC Foundation Summer Incentive Program. Students must meet program requirements and complete the application to be considered for the program. A full list of requirements and program information can be found at escc.edu/scholarships. 

In addition to the new summer incentive program, ESCC reopened its scholarship application on April 1 for the Fall 2020 semester and increased its total scholarship amount by $100,000.

Scholarships are awarded for academic performance, technical promise, career interests and participation in the fine arts, athletics and leadership activities. A full list of available scholarships, including a new Computer Information Science scholarship, can be found at escc.edu/scholarships. 

For students who previously applied for a scholarship by the March 1 deadline but did not receive one, his or her name will be kept in the applicant pool for consideration. For first-time applicants, the deadline to apply for scholarships is Monday, June 1. 

Students interested in taking summer or fall classes at ESCC also have the option to apply for federal financial aid. 

ESCC’s Financial Aid Department offers assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing this application can connect students with thousands of federal funds in the form of Pell Grants, student loans and other forms of financial assistance. 

To receive federal financial aid for summer classes, students must complete the 2019-20 FAFSA. For fall semester, students must complete the 2020-21 FAFSA. ESCC’s school code is 001015. Visit https://escc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-admissions/ or email financialaid@escc.edu for questions on completing the FAFSA. 

“With the uncertainty surrounding us today, you may be rethinking your education options,” Rodgers said. “Our financial aid resources are a great way for anyone to go to college or continue their education. We hope you join us this summer or plan ahead for the fall. 

“You don’t have to put your education on hold. Visit our website or give us a call if you have any questions.” 

Cutline: The ESCC Foundation donated funds for the creation of the ESCC Foundation Theater on December 3, 2019. The Foundation recently approved funding the new Summer Incentive Program. 

Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College, a unit of ESCC, continue to serve their students through online instruction while campuses are closed.

“It really is special to see our instructors switch to this instructional format on the spot,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “It goes to show the quality of our instructors and staff. They are special and want our students to succeed.”

On Friday, the Alabama Community College System, which includes ESCC/AAC, announced that online instruction will continue at all of its campuses through the remainder of the spring semester. In addition, due to restrictions on event sizes by state and federal officials, all traditional commencement activities will be postponed.

“Every decision concerning the operations of Alabama’s community colleges is being made with the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the forefront,” ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker said.

“While we couldn’t have imagined what this semester would look like for our colleges, I am incredibly grateful for the creativity, resilience, and commitment to learning shown by our faculty, staff, and students during this difficult time.”

ACCS colleges will offer summer courses. As circumstances continue to evolve, a decision will come at a later date and with guidance from local, state and federal administration on whether these classes will be offered in-person or online. College campuses remain closed to public gatherings.

Enterprise State student support staff and instructors are reaching out to students to make sure the transition to online learning is as smooth as possible, connecting them with staff members who can answer their questions about technology, Canvas or other campus updates.

Resources typically available to students on campus were adapted for online and Canvas use while campuses are closed. These include learning resources for research, which are available through the ESCC library, the campus bookstore and VitalSource, the Alabama Virtual Library and other sources.

Free tutoring services offered through ESCC’s Boll Weevil Central are also available through Canvas so that students are still able to receive assistance with coursework virtually.

“I am proud of the dedicated team of educators and staff members who have done so much to make this transition as smooth as possible,” Rodgers said. “I also want to thank our current students for their hard work during this time and encourage them to keep it up to end the semester strong.

“We strive to provide excellent instruction and student support services, and we will continue to do so as we look forward to the summer and next fall.”

Dual enrollment staff members are also continuing to work with partner high schools to help those students have the opportunity to enroll in courses for the upcoming summer and fall semesters.

ESCC will reopen its scholarship application on April 1 and increase its total scholarship amount by an additional $100,000.

“Our college has been blessed over the last two years through increased student enrollment and other efforts,” Rodgers said. “Our community is so supportive of us, and one way the college can give back is by increasing our scholarship amounts to support our community and students.”

The scholarship application will reopen April 1 at escc.edu/admissions/scholarships. The new deadline to apply will be June 1.

For students who previously applied for a scholarship, recipients will be notified by March 31. 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.

“This is a stressful time and there is a lot of uncertainty, but we are here to serve our community in any way we can,” Rodgers said.

Summer registration will begin April 6. Students can register 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, email admissions@escc.edu to begin the enrollment process.

Applications for fall 2020 are also being accepted at this time. The free application for ESCC and the AAC can be found at escc.edu/apply-now. Recruiters are reaching out to those students who have already completed applications, answering their questions and working with them to complete any applications or forms, like the FAFSA.

Students who plan to attend ESCC/AAC during the fall semester must complete the 2020-21 FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa using school code in 001015.

“Whether you’ve been with us in the past or you’re thinking about starting a degree or certificate program, we’re here to help you keep your momentum going,” Rodgers said.