Walker County Expands Dual Enrollment Opportunities for Students

Dual enrollment options for high school students in Walker County have significantly expanded with a new agreement signed between local school leaders and Bevill State Community College. On March 15, 2024, Dr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State, alongside Dr. Ann Jackson, Superintendent of Jasper City Schools, and Dr. Dennis Willingham, Superintendent of Walker County Schools, formalized the addition of programs in electrical robotics, diesel mechanics, and licensed practical nursing (LPN). This agreement doubles the career pathways available to students compared to previous years.

Prior to this update, courses in welding, machine tool operation, and HVAC were the only dual enrollment options. The new offerings mean that students can now not only gain technical skills but also earn credits towards their college education while still in high school. Dr. Hagood emphasized the importance of aligning educational programs with workforce demand, stating, “We just want to provide our kids with employable opportunities.”

The expansion of dual enrollment has led to significant growth in student participation. According to data from Bevill State, the number of dual-enrolled students in county schools reached 504 during the 2024-25 academic year, resulting in over 3,500 earned credit hours. This figure represents a notable increase from 390 students in the previous school year. Participation by individual schools includes Carbon Hill High with 92 students, Cordova High with 101, Curry High with 134, Dora High with 95, and Oakman High with 82. In Jasper City Schools, 254 students were enrolled, up from 145 the previous year.

Funding and Future Prospects

The dual enrollment program operates at no cost to students, thanks to a combination of funding sources, including a state allocation of $3.3 million secured by state senator Matt Woods and Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed. Additional financial support comes from the Walker Area Community Foundation’s Don Drummond Family Fund, which contributes $100,000 annually, and similar contributions from the City of Jasper. This funding is crucial for covering student scholarships, necessary materials, and equipment.

Dr. Hagood noted the substantial increase in dual enrollment credit hours, stating, “In 2021, our total was just over 9,000 credit hours. By the end of this academic year, we reached around 22,000 credit hours.” With continuing enrollment into the current school year, estimates suggest that between 800 and 1,000 high school students in Walker County could be dual enrolled for the 2025-26 academic year.

Impact on Students and Community

The benefits of dual enrollment extend beyond academic achievement. Students can earn certificates or even associate degrees before graduating high school, providing them with a significant advantage in the workforce. Dr. Hagood highlighted a recent example of a student who graduated high school while also completing an associate degree through dual enrollment. In Pickens County, 60 to 100 high school students are earning short-term certificates, with 10 to 15 achieving their associate degrees.

Dr. Jackson emphasized the transformative potential of this program, stating, “You’re educating people out of poverty.” The dual enrollment initiative aims to equip students with the skills needed for meaningful employment and to provide opportunities that may not have been accessible to their families in previous generations. Dr. Willingham echoed these sentiments, noting that many students come from backgrounds where their parents and grandparents did not complete high school. Dual enrollment allows them to explore their potential and realize their educational aspirations.

As the program continues to grow in popularity, Tana Collins-Allred, Director of Public Relations for Bevill State, observed an increase in awareness among families. “As more parents learn about the dual enrollment opportunities, the more we have enrolled,” she stated. This growing engagement is seen as a pathway to long-term generational change.

The dual enrollment agreement also facilitates shared resources among school systems and Bevill State, allowing students from different backgrounds to access a wider range of courses and facilities. For instance, county students can take culinary classes at Jasper High School, while city students can enroll in electrical technology courses at the Walker County Center of Technology.

Looking ahead, the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation, scheduled for completion in May 2026, will provide a state-of-the-art training facility for students, further enhancing educational opportunities in the region. Dr. Willingham expressed optimism about the program’s potential, stating, “We know that we can change Walker County and change our communities for the better.”

In summary, the expansion of dual enrollment in Walker County not only opens doors for current students but also lays the groundwork for a more skilled and prepared workforce in the future.