Success Story

Coastal Alabama Community College is charting new opportunities this fall as it combines the resources of its Workforce Development and Adult Education departments to offer an all-female training class for the Clarke County Jail.  The class, which includes online coursework and hands-on training, will allow completers to receive an Alabama Community College System (ACCS) credential in mini-excavator and skid steer operations. 

“This quick credential is designed to open doors quickly to career opportunities in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and forestry,” said the College’s Dean of Workforce Development, Dr. Josh Duplantis.  

Uniquely, this initiative is aimed at providing women within the correctional system the tools to find meaningful employment and create a fresh start upon release.

“We are combining and flexing any available resources to serve a unique need and to empower citizens through education,” said Dr. Duplantis.

The credentials are not new to Coastal Alabama as the College maintains an active ACCS Skills for Success program across its six-county service area.  Skills for Success is specifically focused on providing free, rapid-delivery training programs to build confidence and to enhance workforce abilities of its students. 

“This is a program that I believe in because I believe that people deserve a second chance” said Joseph Metz, Skills for Success Coordinator at Coastal Alabama Community College. “A lot of times, people don’t know where to start, and this is a perfect starting point. 

The Clarke County Jail initiative is a collaborative effort that would not be possible without strong community partnerships. Metz credits Clarke County Sheriff Dewayne Smith, Coastal Alabama Director of Adult Education Dr. Courtney Diaz, and Coordinator for Adult Education for Coastal Alabama’s Clarke County zone, Stuart Lee, for their commitment to bringing this program to life.

“Without them buying into this program and being willing to think outside of the box to stack resources, none of this would be possible,” Metz said.

By combining skills development with rehabilitation, Coastal Alabama Community College is committed to setting a standard for innovative education in the state and to ensure that second chances can turn into lasting change.