HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College welcomed six new members as participants in the Powerful Partnership initiative, bringing the total number of participants to 30 taking advantage of the free program.
“One of the things that makes a community college a community college is the partnerships that we share within our community, and you are so important to what we are doing,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “We are honored that you would consider joining with us in these Powerful Partnership agreements that are mutually beneficial to all of us.”
Since Powerful Partnerships launched in September 2024, the program has already made a strong impact, with 126 students benefiting from more than $10,000 in combined tuition savings for participating employees and their families, said Suzanna Harbin, vice president for advancement and innovation.
The signing ceremony for the new organizations affirmed their commitment to providing those same opportunities to their employees, Harbin added.
The six new members include Augusta’s Sports Grill, the Cullman County Board of Education, Happy Tails Groom & Board, Lawn Doctor, Lee’s Veterinary Hospital and Plus One Heating & Air.
“Plus One is participating in Wallace State’s Powerful Partnership Program to strengthen the connection between education and industry,” said Co-Owner Daniel Green. “We believe in investing in the next generation of skilled professionals while creating meaningful career pathways that support both student success and the long-term growth of our workforce.”
Benefits provided to businesses and industry that join the Powerful Partnership program include:
- 10% tuition discount on up to six credit hours in academic courses for degree- and certificate-seeking students and Pro Skills Workforce training courses per semester for employees and their immediate families; this applies to employee-paid and employee-sponsored training
- 10% discount on customized training
- Complimentary evaluation of previously earned educational credits, training and professional certifications and work experience for consideration of prior learning towards academic credit
- Complimentary access to meeting spaces at the Wallace State Workforce Training Center
- Wallace State Alumni Memberships for up to five employees
- Special sponsor rate for the Wallace State Future Foundation Student Investment Luncheon
- Access to a pipeline of workers prepared for internships, apprenticeships and employment through priority registration for Industry Comes to Wallace State
- A Powerful Partner registration rate for the annual WSCC Career Fair
- Featured as a Powerful Partner through various marketing avenues
- A role on Wallace State’s program advisory boards and Business and Industry Leadership Teams (BILTs) to provide guidance for instructional technology
- Opportunity to receive access to Athens State University’s Learning Partnership program
This comprehensive set of benefits ensures that businesses are not just passively involved, but actively engaged in shaping Wallace State’s educational programs to better meet industry demands. By participating in advisory boards and leadership teams, companies can directly influence the development of future workers, creating a well-prepared labor force that meets their specific needs.
For more information about the Powerful Partnerships program and how your business can get involved, contact Simone Grant at simone.grant@wallacestate.edu or 256-352-7453.
