Alabama Power Company Endowed Scholarship to Expand Career Opportunities at Valley Street Campus

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Gadsden, Ala. – A generous investment from Alabama Power Company is creating new opportunities for students at Gadsden State Community College’s Valley Street Campus through the establishment of the Alabama Power Company Endowed Career Technical and Workforce Development Scholarship.

The scholarship will directly support students pursuing career technical and workforce development programs at Valley Street, the College’s historically Black campus. By providing financial assistance for hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials, the scholarship will help remove financial barriers for students preparing to enter some of the region’s most in-demand careers.

For students determined to build a better future, the cost of education and technical training can sometimes create a barrier to opportunity. The Alabama Power Company Endowed Scholarship is designed to help bridge that gap by expanding access to education, hands-on training and workforce skills students need to pursue meaningful careers and succeed in today’s workforce.

“Investments like this do more than provide financial assistance. They invest in people, families, and the future of our communities,” said Ricky Tillis, Valley Street Campus director. “Alabama Power Company’s commitment to students at Valley Street helps ensure that talented individuals have the opportunity to develop the skills and credentials necessary to pursue meaningful careers.”

The scholarship also reflects Valley Street’s longstanding legacy of access, excellence and economic advancement. With its deep historical significance, Valley Street continues to serve as a place where education creates opportunity, empowering students to prepare for careers that strengthen families, build a skilled workforce and contribute to thriving communities.

Through career technical and workforce development programs, students gain practical, career-ready skills in fields where qualified professionals are in high demand. The Alabama Power Company Endowed Scholarship will help more students take that critical step toward meaningful employment, economic mobility and long-term success.

“Alabama Power is proud to support opportunities that help students gain the skills needed to succeed in high-demand careers,” said Spencer Williams, community relations manager with Alabama Power Company. “By investing in education and workforce development, we are helping build a stronger workforce and a stronger community.”

Because the scholarship is endowed, Alabama Power Company’s investment will continue to support students for years to come, creating a lasting legacy of opportunity and strengthening access to education at the Valley Street Campus.

The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation is grateful to Alabama Power Company for its commitment to expanding access to education and workforce training. Together, the Foundation and Alabama Power are helping students move from aspiration to achievement, while strengthening the workforce and economic future of the communities Gadsden State serves.

About the Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation

The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Gadsden State Community College, supporting student scholarships, academic programs, workforce development and initiatives that advance the college’s mission. Through partnerships with individuals, businesses and organizations, the Foundation connects community generosity with opportunities that help students succeed and communities thrive.

Left to right, Hillary Folsom, director of Advancement and Alumni Relations; Tony Smith, Cardinal Foundation president; Alan Smith, president of Gadsden State; Spencer Williams, Alabama Power Company Community Relations Manager; and Ricky Tillis, Valley Street Campus director

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