Northwest-Shoals Community College President Glenda Colagross announced the launch of the new Community Partners Scholarship initiative at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce annual meeting March 7.

The Community Partners Scholarship will be offered to the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, as well as the chambers in Lawrence County, Rogersville and Haleyville. The partnership offers tuition scholarships to all full-time employees of member businesses of these chambers.

“We are excited to offer this opportunity to our community partners,” said Colagross. “We want to help our local companies build their workforce from within by developing their current employees and improving their skills.”

The initiative will provide a 10 percent tuition scholarship, customized career plans for each participant and comprehensive college enrollment services. On-site academic and career technical instruction can also be made available to companies.

“The Community Partners Scholarship Program will allow those in the work force to complete a certification or degree they never thought possible because of their work schedule and finances. Franklin County will reap the benefits from Northwest-Shoals initiating this program,” said Franklin County Chamber executive director Cassie Medley.

Colagross said approximately 173,000 citizens in the service area between the ages of 25-64 have yet to achieve an associate’s degree. “We hope this partnership will make education more accessible and help those seeking to improve their skill sets.”

The program will begin in August 2019. Scholarships are applicable to all degree and certificate programs, at both campuses, including online offerings.

For more information on the program visit www.nwscc.edu/communitypartners or contact Amanda Peters at 256-331-8062 or email amanda.terry@nwscc.edu.