The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) applauds the U.S. Navy’s transformative $30 million investment in the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) to expand workforce training for submarine production and maritime manufacturing.

“This investment by the U.S. Navy is a defining moment for workforce development and economic mobility across the nation. At HCF, we recognize that initiatives like this do more than strengthen submarine production; they open doors for students, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented communities, to access high-quality, sustainable careers in advanced manufacturing and national defense. We applaud the U.S. Navy and ACCS for their leadership and vision, and we remain committed to advocating for inclusive pathway that position HBCU students at the forefront of these transformative opportunities.”

— said Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF

This strategic investment represents more than a funding milestone — it is a powerful commitment to strengthening America’s industrial base while creating equitable pathways to high-quality, high-demand careers. By supporting programs in welding, pipefitting, structural fabrication, and advanced manufacturing, this initiative will help meet the nation’s urgent need for skilled workers in submarine production, where as many as 250,000 new workers will be needed over the next decade.

We are especially encouraged by the role that institutions like Bishop State Community College and its regional partners will play in expanding access to top hands-on training and career mobility. These efforts not only bolster national security and shipbuilding capacity, but also create meaningful economic opportunities for students and communities — particularly across the Gulf Coast, where workforce demand continues to grow rapidly.

For HBCUs and the students we serve, this investment underscores the critical important of inclusive workforce development partnerships. It affirms that when federal agencies, educational institutions, and industry leaders collaborate, we can build a diverse, highly skilled talent pipeline ready to lead in advanced manufacturing and defense sectors.

HCF looks forward to continued collaboration with partners across education, government, and industry to ensure that HBCU students are fully connected to these emerging opportunities. Together, we can drive innovation, expand access, and empower the next generation of leaders who will strengthen both our economy and our national security.

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About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) was founded in 2012 and is a non-profit educational organization that remains a strong advocate for students and higher education. The mission of HCF is to support the significance and raise funds for scholarships, programs, and for private and public HBCUs and MSIs. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.