MONTGOMERY, AL – The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announced a resolution on Tuesday that establishes the following colleges as members: Bishop State Community College, Drake State Community and Technical College, Gadsden State Community College, Shelton State Community College and Trenholm State Community College. Named after U.S. Supreme Court’s first black justice, TMCF is a nationally recognized nonprofit membership organization that supports more than 50 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Alabama’s historically black community colleges (HBCCs) are the first HBCCs to be inducted into the TMCF. To date, TMCF has provided more than $300 million in scholarships, programmatic and capacity building support to its member schools and students. This prestigious partnership will grant the six HBCCs access to more scholarship and professional development opportunities.

“Adding community colleges to our membership is part of an intentional move toward a more inclusive talent strategy. A four-year degree is one path but not the only path to career success,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, TMCF President & CEO.

“HBCCs play a critical role in local and regional economic development by offering workforce upskilling and reskilling programs. HBCCs across the country offer associate degrees and industry-recognized certificates and credentials that can launch students into the workforce to fill skilled positions that offer good pay without the requirement of a bachelor’s degree. HBCCs also offer students the ability to obtain core, academic credits that can be transferred to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree,” Williams continued.

Alabama is home to more HBCCs and HBCUs than any other state. The Alabama Community College System’s 24 community and technical colleges add $6.6 billion to Alabama’s economy, supporting one out of every 27 jobs in the state.

“Alabama’s community colleges exist to be a pillar of community for students of all backgrounds to be able to have the resources ton reach success, and these national relationships help bolster the advantages and access students have to significant opportunities that support their pursuit of excellence,” said Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.

“The connections students and Alabama’s HBCC leaders will have through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund are bound to strengthen the avenues of colleges provide to residents who trust our colleges with the training they desire for their future,” Baker continued.

“HCF applauds TMCF for establishing membership for historically black community colleges (HBCCs), exclusively Alabama’s HBCCs. This prestige partnership makes Alabama’s HBCCs the first HBCCs to be members of TMCF. Historically, joining other TMCF member institutions, the students of the six HBCCs will have access to many scholarship opportunities needed as community college students to advance their education at a four-year university. We thank Dr. Williams and his team at TMCF; what a historic milestone for HBCUs. As DJ Khaled says, “Another one!,” said Demetrius Johnson, Jr., HCF Founder, President & CEO.

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