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Alabama’s College Application Week, Nov. 4-8, is here, and Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College are ready to help any person take the next steps in their education.

Community college is a great option for anyone interested in furthering their education or receiving technical training. It is also a great resource for students currently in high school or those who have completed their high school graduation credits early.

Especially for early completers, taking classes at their local community college can help them save time and money while receiving a quality education.

“The benefit of taking general education courses at ESCC is not only the cost – classes cost at least half of what students will pay for the same course at a four-year institution – but also the opportunity to study with instructors with the same credentials as those at the four-year institution in a much smaller, one-on-one environment that fosters student development and a village of support,” Associate Dean of Students/Financial Aid Director Dr. Kevin Ammons said.

For those students who wish to complete their college education at a university or would like to complete required courses between semesters at a four-year institution, their local community college is a resource to turn to.

In Alabama, community colleges provide transferable credits through the Statewide Articulation Reporting System (STARS), making it even easier for students to complete their first two years at their local community college and transfer those credits to another institution.

One method that ESCC uses to provide a strong foundation for transfer students is ensuring the classes students take at ESCC will actually transfer. ESCC can stand by this agreement when students follow the Alabama Articulation Program, which is also called STARS (Statewide Articulation Reporting System). STARS is designed to inform students about degree requirements and course equivalents from colleges from each state-funded four-year institution.

“Start your college journey at ESCC before transferring to a different school,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “This will allow you to possibly stay at home with no room-and-board fees or rent while earning college credits. It also opens up the opportunity to work and start saving money for when you move out or go to school.”

Community colleges like ESCC are a resource to take advantage of when taking those next steps, whether it be toward a degree program or technical training. All it takes to start is to apply.

ESCC/AAC has an open-door admissions policy to ensure that every person can attain a college education. There is no application deadline and no ACT/SAT or GPA score required.

There are just a few steps to complete the application process at ESCC/AAC, which are to complete the general application, residency form and identify verification form; submit a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license and all transcripts; and provide any test scores from the last five years.

All application information may be found on www.escc.edu/admissions/.

For many students, deciding how to pay for college is an important part of the college process.  College applicants are encouraged to complete the now open Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for federal or other financial aid.

Completing the FAFSA is important. Many college applicants do not always complete it, missing out on thousands of dollars per applicant available to them. According to the Federal Student Aid website, more than $150 billion is available to applicants for college.

Before filling out the FAFSA, applicants will need to apply for a Financial Student Aid (FSA) ID, which is used as a signature on financial aid forms, at www.fsaid.ed.gov. Parents of dependent students will need their own FSA ID.

When completing the FAFSA for ESCC, list the ESCC school code, which is 001015.

The 2020-21 FAFSA, for students planning to attend college in August 2020, will use information from the their or their parents’ 2018 tax return. Applicants can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool within the FAFSA to provide federal income tax return data.

To apply for financial aid as an early high school completer, the 2019-20 FAFSA application must be completed. This application will use the applicant’s or their parents’ 2017 tax return information.

At ESCC, the college application must be before an aid application will be considered at ESCC. The deadline to apply for ESCC financial aid and scholarships is March 1, 2020.

ESCC financial aid information is available at www.escc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-admissions/.

No matter where a person is in their educational journey, a community college like ESCC/AAC can provide a quality education or training to anyone.

“It does not matter if the student is a high school senior who just graduated, a transient student who already attends another university, a current ESCC student or a nontraditional student who just wants to pick up some courses to advance a career,” Rodgers said. “ESCC/AAC has something for everyone.”

Cutline: Director of Counseling & Student Success Dr. Felisha Ford, standing, helps students plan their class schedule for the spring.

“Grease is the word” as Enterprise State Community College readies for auditions for its spring show.

On Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 4-5, the ESCC Fine Arts Division will hold open auditions for its spring production of “Grease.”

From a Samuel French synopsis, “Grease” introduces “Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot rodding ‘Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking ‘Pink Ladies’ in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical.”

“Grease” follows the story of “head ‘greaser’ Danny Zuko and the new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski as they try to relive the high romance of their ‘Summer Nights,’” while the rest of the greasers and pink ladies dance and sing to familiar songs like “Greased Lightnin’.”

All auditions will begin at 6 p.m. in the Community Room, located in the LBW Student Center.

To audition, be prepared to present a one-minute monologue, which must be memorized before auditions, and perform 16-32 bars of a song acapella. All audition pieces must be from a published play.

Adolescents ages 14-17 with parents’ permission and adults 18 and older are encouraged to audition.

“One of the reasons ’Grease’ was selected is because there are a variety of roles ranging from teenager to any age, really,” Theater adjunct Trey Clark said. “No prior acting experience is required. Anyone 14 and up… come on, everybody.”

Clark said theater brings people together, including ESCC and the communities it serves.

“Theater is a dynamic tool that brings human beings together,” he said. “It’s fun. It’s an experience that is unique in molding young minds and telling an awesome story that everybody knows.

“We are Enterprise State Community College. Without the community, we wouldn’t exist, and it is a beautiful and fruitful endeavor.”

Performances of “Grease” will be held April 16-18, 2020, at the Enterprise Performing Arts Center.

“ESCC is the community’s college, and we encourage the community to get involved,” ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair Dr. Ken Thomas said. “This is an exciting time in the life of the College and the Fine Arts Division. We want and need the community’s support.

“I know that there are many talented performers in this area, and I challenge all of you to come to the auditions and lend a helping hand to make this musical performance a success. You may also support us by attending our events.”

For more information on auditions or the ESCC Fine Arts Division, contact Dr. Ken Thomas at (334) 347-2623 ext. 2319 or kthomas@escc.edu.

The Enterprise State Community College Foundation raised over $20,000 for scholarships for future and current students through its third annual “Dancing for Scholarships” event.

These funds will not only support current Foundation scholarships, but it will also help dual-enrollment students take courses at ESCC through a new scholarship, according to Foundation Executive Director Chellye Stump.

“We’ve not given dual enrollment scholarships in the past, so this year, we plan to set aside some of the money we raise for dual-enrollment students,” she said before the event.

During the event, over 400 people watched as seven local STARS showed off their dancing skills during the fundraising event, held at the Enterprise Civic Center on Thursday, Oct. 10.

This year’s seven STARS and their professional partners were: Erin Grantham, executive director of Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, partnered with Adonis Bozeman, recruiter for ESCC; Brent Harrison, principal at Enterprise High School, partnered with Jameka Oates, principal dancer and instructor for Patti Rutland Jazz and instructor for Enterprise School of Dance; Dr. Anna Head, ESCC English Division Chair, partnered with Dr. Ken Thomas, ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair; Gloria Jones, retired interior decorator, partnered with Ronald DeVane, ballroom dance instructor; John Mitchell Jr. of Mitchell Automotive Group, partnered with Janie Allen of GetFit Nutrition; Chris Moseley, superintendent of Elba City Schools, partnered with Teniyah Ginyard, dance instructor for Enterprise School of Dance; and Bill Schleusner, co-owner of The Rawls Restaurant, partnered with Mattie Hanson, teacher with Enterprise City Schools.

These teams danced for the chance to receive either the People’s Choice or the Judges Favorite Mirror Ball trophies.

This year, the People’s Choice Mirror Ball trophy went to partners Mitchell and Allen, who danced to “Rockin’ Robin.” The People’s Choice winner was decided through the number of votes each team received the night of the event.

Mitchell said he stepped out of his comfort zone to take part in the event, but the experience was worth it.

“I did enjoy it,” he said. “It was very rewarding. It was for a great cause.”

He challenged others to participate in next year’s “Dancing for Scholarships” event.

“I definitely would challenge anyone to do it, even if you don’t think you can,” he said.

The winners of the Judges Favorite Mirror Ball were partners Schleusner and Hanson, who danced to “Beat It.”  Each team’s performance was judged on four categories: entertainment, technique, chemistry as a couple and the choreography of the dance. This year’s judges were Will Searcy, Elizabeth Whitton and Kara Danner.

Schleusner said he was surprised to receive the trophy with his partner.

“That was shocking,” he said. “To come out the winner of the Mirror Ball was surreal.”

Schleusner said he attended last year’s “Dancing for Scholarships” event and thought it would be fun to participate. He then received the call to be a community STAR from Stump.

“I really enjoyed being a part of such a great event,” he said. “This is one of the best fundraising events that’s being held in the Wiregrass, just from the execution and the product they put out. You really enjoy coming to it.

“It definitely is a unique event that I think people in the Wiregrass should attend and support.”

He also encouraged members of the Wiregrass communities to “absolutely participate” in next year’s event.

“I don’t know why people would hesitate,” he said. “It’s worth it. It’s a lot of fun.”

Mitchell and Schleusner were not the only participants to encourage others to take part. After his dance the night of the event, Moseley also challenged other educators in the Wiregrass communities to take part as well.

“Enterprise State reaches out to a lot of school systems, and I am so proud to represent Elba,” he said. “Enterprise, Coffee County, Ozark, all the schools they reach out to… I challenge all these school systems to come out and participate in this for their kids.”

Stump said the ESCC Foundation is thankful for everyone who participated and supported the fundraising event, stating that ESCC has “the best community, and we know this would not be possible without their support.”

She also said that while Mirror Balls were presented to the two dance teams, every participant is a winner.

“I can’t thank the dancers enough for all the time they donated out of their busy lives to practice over the last two months to make this night so special,” Stump said. “I would also like to thank the employees of Enterprise State Community College who served on the committee that made this event possible. We have an outstanding group that worked hard for the last few months to make sure this event was enjoyable for all.”

Stump said she is already looking ahead and is searching for STARS and PROS for next year’s event. To participate, contact Chellye Stump at (334) 347-2623 ext. 2279 or cstump@escc.edu.

CUTLINE: Seven Community STARS and their PRO partners took part in the 2019 “Dancing for Scholarships” event on Oct. 10. Pictured, from left, are STAR Brent Harrison with PRO Jameka Oates; PRO Dr. Ken Thomas with STAR Dr. Anna Head; STAR Bill Schleusner with PRO Mattie Hanson, winners of the Judges Favorite trophy; PRO Janie Allen with STAR John Mitchell Jr., winners of the People’s Choice trophy; STAR Gloria Jones with PRO Ronald DeVane, PRO Teniyah Ginyard with STAR Chris Moseley; and PRO Adonis Bozeman with STAR Erin Grantham.

For more information, contact:
Rachel Adams
Communications and Marketing Administrator
rachel.adams@accs.edu
(334) 293-4651 

October 15, 2019

MONTGOMERY – A second round of scholarships will be awarded this year for 50 students to train for automotive manufacturing careers at Alabama’s community colleges.

The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and Alabama Community College System have partnered to provide a total $180,000 in scholarships, as well as mentors, to 50 students who want to pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree in the automotive manufacturing industry. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15.

The first scholarship recipients were awarded earlier this year to start programs this fall. Students awarded after the November deadline will begin classes in the spring, summer or fall semesters of 2020. 

Interested students with at least a 2.5 GPA can learn more information and apply directly through the website, https://dreamitdoitalabama.com/aama/. Applicants must use the scholarship toward an automotive-related program, including the following: Automotive Manufacturing Technology; Automotive Manufacturing; Automotive Service Technician; Computer Numerical Control; Engineering Technology; Industrial Electronics Technology; Industrial Maintenance Technology; Injection Molding; Logistics; Machine Shop/Tool Technology; Manufacturing Technology; Mechanical Design Technology; Mechatronics; or Welding Technology.

AAMA President Ron Davis said the scholarship program was designed to build interest in the exciting and rewarding careers the automotive industry offers. 

“The access our scholarship recipients have to mentors in the industry, in addition to the training they’ll receive while studying at an Alabama community college, provides tremendous opportunities in the automotive manufacturing industry,” Davis said. “Our partnership with Alabama’s community colleges is industry and education working together the way they should to help individuals succeed.” 

Jeff Lynn, ACCS’ Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, said the scholarship opportunity complements other work-based learning initiatives in place for community colleges to continually provide world-class training that meets Alabama’s industry needs. Such programs, including the expansion of apprenticeships and internships, add significant value to industry-led training at the community colleges.

“The best advice we receive for how to educate and train an excellent workforce for employers and entrepreneurs is directly from the source – Alabama industry,” Lynn said. “With industry input and continued investment in career and technical training, including scholarships and new programs, the Alabama Community College System is providing what both employees and employers need to succeed.” 

The total award is $3,600 for each student. The award covers tuition, fees and/or books needed. A full submission for the scholarship requires the following: a completed application; a resume; a maximum 500-word essay on why the student wants to work in Alabama’s automotive industry; one signed reference letter; an unofficial college or high school transcript; and a headshot photo.

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About AAMA

Since 2001, the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has provided awareness of manufacturing trends, techniques and concerns within the automotive manufacturing industry through interaction among automotive companies in Alabama. The association’s mission is to promote growth and continuous improvement of automotive manufacturing in Alabama.

About ACCS

With 24 community colleges in more than 130 locations, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is Alabama’s gateway to first-class, affordable education and technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 168,000 Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The System includes the Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.

With years of experience and a passion for helping others, Steve Graves has joined Enterprise State Community College as its adult education coordinator.

ESCC offers free adult education classes to help individuals receive their GED, the Alabama Career Readiness Certification, learn English as a Second Language (ESL) and more.

In his words, Graves describes adult education as “any type of education that fulfills the needs of a certain age student” and “far more than earning a GED.”

“We tend to think of Adult Education as starting after high school,” he said. “Accepting this, we can say Adult Education is any type of post-secondary education. Every student attending ESCC is an adult learner. Employees that attend work-related seminars are participating in a form Adult Education.

“In Adult Education, we help students attain a GED, which opens doors to better employment, military service and continuing their education at the college level. We provide opportunities for individuals to learn the English language so they can better adapt to our culture in this country.

“Adult education is ever changing to meet the needs of the students.”

His passion for adult education began after he was required to take a course on the subject during his undergraduate years at Auburn University. He continued to take elective classes in adult education throughout his undergraduate and master’s degree programs. He later proudly provided adult education opportunities in the Enterprise area during his 31-year tenure at Enterprise High School.

“While serving as assistant principal/career technical director at Enterprise High School, I had the opportunity to offer an Adult Education class through our Career Technical Education Department,” he said. “After retiring from Enterprise High School, I started working with the Alfred Saliba Family Service Center in Dothan. I served as program coordinator for a program which partnered with Wallace Community College’s Adult Education Department. We provided tutoring, financial assistance and support to students ages 16-24 enrolled in the GED classes. During the five years I was there, we helped 73 students earn their GED.”

At ESCC, Graves said he will strive to “meet the goals of our community.”

“I want the ESCC Adult Education Department to be ‘Ray of Hope’ for those individuals who desire to improve their education level, employment opportunities, personal or daily use skills, and other skills that help to make them the type of person they desire to be,” he said.

With his personal connections to Enterprise and ESCC, Graves said he is “vested” in providing opportunities to adult learners in the community. Becoming a member of the ESCC family, he said, is “like coming home,” and he is glad to join the team here at the college.

“I spent three years here after the tornado destroyed Enterprise High School,” he said. “The ESCC family opened their doors and welcomed us into their home. I made some dear friends during this time. Many of them are still here.

“The opportunity to come and work with President Rodgers and Dean Long was a definite motivation to come to ESCC. We worked together at EHS during an extremely difficult time.  I know first-hand the type of educators and men they are. This played a major part in my decision to delay retirement. I am very excited to be at ESCC.”

President Matt Rodgers said Graves is a “great man with a huge heart” and he is happy Graves is a part of the ESCC team.

“We are fortunate to have Steve join our team,” Rodgers said. “He is highly respected in this community and has a true love for helping people. His experience at the Saliba Center in Dothan made him a great fit for this position at ESCC.

“Steve is a great man with a huge heart. He will help many people in the communities we serve to further their education.”

Cutline: Steve Graves has been named the new Adult Education Coordinator at ESCC.

A new student area is coming to Enterprise State Community College sometime in the month of October.

“The Hangout,” as the area is being called, will include two electronic gaming systems, cable T.V., a foosball table and a ping pong table for entertainment. The seating in the area will include two futons and two high tables.

OZARK – Thanks to the combined efforts of local economic development leaders, city officials, a major business partner and Enterprise State Community College, the Wiregrass area will now have needed training on the advanced Arriel 1E2 engine.

Safran Helicopter Engines USA donated an Arriel 1E2 engine, found in the UH-72 Lakota helicopter, to the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark to be used for training to address workforce needs. Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets.

Safran President and CEO, Thierry Derrien called the relationship between ESCC and Safran a successful one.

“I think by donating this engine to the Aviation College, we are giving the opportunity to future mechanics to improve their skills on the real thing,” Derrien said.

A year ago, Safran was contacted about its work with the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) and Fort Rucker by the Wiregrass Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Enterprise Mayor William E. Cooper.

“Approximately 24 months ago, Mayor Cooper and I began meeting with representatives from Safran Helicopter Engines USA to discuss their work on the UH-72 Lakota training helicopter for USAACE at Fort Rucker. These representatives included, but were not limited to, their President and CEO, Thierry Derrien and Vice President, Military and Government Support, Chris Speer,” WEDC Executive Director Jonathan Tullos said.

“During this time, I also worked with ESCC President Matt Rodgers and the ESCC Foundation board to determine what training was or could be available for maintenance professionals to become more familiar with this engine, which would of course directly support the mission at Fort Rucker.”

At the time of these meetings, there was no training available in the area on this advanced engine.

“Mayor Cooper and I then worked with Thierry and Chris to obtain an Arriel 1E2 engine for classroom purposes for the Alabama Aviation College,” Tullos said. “Safran and our local leaders agreed this could be a force multiplier in training our local workforce. The impacts should be felt at Fort Rucker and beyond, giving our graduates more knowledge and flexibility in a high-demand, high-skilled labor market.

“We are appreciative of the generosity of industry partners like Safran Helicopter Engines USA and the foresight of their President and CEO Thierry Derrien to help our area address our workforce needs.”

Cooper said Safran’s support for ESCC and the AAC was “invaluable.”

“Safran is one of the leading engine manufacturers in the world,” he said. “To have them donate an engine for our aviation students to be able to get hands-on experience with, that is invaluable. They already have a heavy presence at Fort Rucker, but for them to come outside of the installation and into our community, that shows what kind of company they are.”

At the AAC, the Arriel 1E2 engine will be used to introduce students to the turbine engine and related theories, according to Director Stan Smith.

“We are excited to partner with Safran to upgrade our aviation power plant instruction to include a modern turbine engine with the latest technology,” Smith said. “I want to thank all those involved who helped bring the Safran Arriel 1E2 engine to our college. This is the engine used on the Lakota Helicopter that the Army uses for flight training.  After training on this engine, our students will be more prepared to work in the local area supporting the flight school mission.

“Instructors will teach using the Safran engine in the Turbine Engine Systems Theory Course. This course introduces our students to the turbine engine, and emphasis is placed on turbine engine development, application, theory, components, materials, construction, and operating and power extraction principles. Upon completion, students will be able to explain turbine engine theory and operating principles, describe procedures for 100-hour and borescope inspections, and perform a hot section inspection on this modular turbine engine.”

Smith said the engine adds value to the education and training at the AAC since it is identical to those found in over 200 training aircraft at Fort Rucker.

ESCC continually works to provide its students with the best technology and equipment for training and education, President Matt Rodgers said.

“We are proud to work with our business and industry leaders to address workforce needs and provide the tools necessary for our students to succeed when entering that workforce,” He said. “We are thankful to Safran for its donation and support of our college.”

Cutline: ESCC recognized the donation of the Arriel 1E2 engine during a press conference held at the Alabama Aviation College on September 27, 2019. Pictured, from left, with the donated engine are ESCC President Matt Rodgers, Safran President and CEO Thierry Derrien, AAC Campus Director Stan Smith, Enterprise Mayor Bill Cooper and WEDC Executive Director Jonathan Tullos.

Two students have been awarded the first Mechatronics program scholarships offered at ESCC and sponsored by local businesses.

The Mechatronics program launched this fall at the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark. Mechatronics workers use a combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer/programming skills in a rapidly growing field.

The Rex Lumber Scholarship was awarded to James Leslie. Scholarship recipients who excel in the Mechatronics program may be eligible for a paid internship position within Rex Lumber Company.

The PRIDE Industries Scholarship was awarded to Slate Greene, and is a one-year scholarship awarded to individuals who are planning to enroll at ESCC.

Each scholarship is worth $1,250. Read more at https://www.wtvy.com/content/news/First-ESCC-Mechatronics-scholarships-awarded-560956571.html

OZARK – During a signing ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 17, two students were officially awarded the first Mechatronics program scholarships offered at Enterprise State Community College that are sponsored by local businesses.

The Mechatronics program opened this fall at the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark. Mechatronics is one of the world’s largest high-tech manufacturing fields that incorporates electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering.

“We are constantly working to create a workforce pipeline here at ESCC and the AAC,” President Matt Rodgers said. “We are pleased to have our business partners aid in our students’ success, and we’re excited for the opportunities we’re creating together for our students.”

The Robert and Kathryn McRae/Rex Lumber Scholarship was awarded to James Leslie.

“Anytime you can get money for going to school is fantastic,” Leslie said. “I am very grateful that they made it available and accessible.”

The Robert and Kathryn McRae/Rex Lumber Scholarships is a one-year scholarship awarded to students planning to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics. The scholarship will go toward covering the cost of 33 semester hours of tuition and/or books and supplies for classes required for the program.

Scholarship recipients who excel in the Mechatronics program may be eligible for a paid internship position within Rex Lumber Company.

Rex Lumber has been a leader in the lumber business since the 1926 when the Rex Lumber Company was established in Graceville, FL. The company originally focused on manufacturing cypress products, but in the 1970s, the company changed focus to create Southern Yellow Pine lumber products. The company has locations in Graceville and Bristol, FL.; Brookhaven, MS.; and Troy, AL.

“Caroline Dauzat, our owner, has a great vision for education for our students as well as our employees,” Michelle Shaffer, human resources manager at Rex Lumber Troy, said. “We didn’t hesitate in bringing in a scholarship and affording some deserving person. This helps us grow our workforce. We have a need for talented, experienced industrial maintenance technicians and electricians.

“I’m so thankful they saw the need for this in the workforce development area. We see it helping us out years down the line.”

The PRIDE Industries Scholarship was awarded to Slate Greene, who said the scholarship was “very much appreciated.”

The PRIDE Industries Scholarship is a one-year scholarship awarded to individuals who are planning to enroll at ESCC. Each scholarship is worth $1,250.

PRIDE Industries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise, was founded in 1966 in the basement of a church in Auburn, California with a mission to create jobs for people with disabilities.

PRIDE Industries is dedicated to delivering competitive, custom business solutions that will exceed their expectations and help them fulfill their goals with the vision of being a socially responsible vendor of choice in the markets we serve, and to be the recognized leader in meeting the needs of individuals in overcoming barriers to employment.

“PRIDE Industries is happy to support the community and Enterprise State Community College,” Kim Curry, general manager of PRIDE Industries at Fort Rucker, said.

“These industry-sponsored scholarships are concrete proof of the support we have for this program from local companies,” Mechatronics Instructor Aubri Hanson said. “In addition to scholarships, our partner companies are offering internships for our students and jobs for our graduates. The ESCC Mechatronics program is proud to have the support of Rex Lumber, PRIDE Industries and many other companies that serve on our industrial advisory board and who are in need of the skill sets we are teaching.”

Cutline: Left to Right General Manager for PRIDE Industries at Fort Rucker Kim Curry, Slate Greene,  James Leslie, and Human Resources Manager for Rex Lumber Troy Michelle Shaffer. Slate and James received the first ESCC Mechatronics scholarships during a signing ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Enrollment is open for a new, short-term certificate at Enterprise State Community College designed to provide necessary workforce training in electricity and electronics.

Classes for the Basic Industrial Electronics certificate will begin at the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark during the college’s second mini term on Monday, Oct.14. This certificate can be completed in 16 weeks, or in two eight-week terms.

Three courses will be open for students during the second mini term: Industrial Safety, Introduction to AC/DC Circuits and Solid State Electronics. The final three courses for the certificate will be offered during the following mini term, which will begin in January. These courses are AC/DC Circuit Analysis, Digital Electronics and Industrial Electricity and Electronics.

According to Mechatronics Instructor Aubri Hanson, this certificate provides skills to address current workforce needs, including locally.

“There are currently over 200 jobs listed on Indeed within 50 miles of ESCC for people with these skills, with over half of those listed as entry-level,” Hanson said. “This certificate will prepare graduates for entry-level jobs in an industrial electronics field.”

Students completing this certificate may take these courses on their schedule, including both day and evening times, while also earning at least four industrial certifications. These certifications are OSHA 10 certification, NC3 Snap-On Multimeter certification, NC3 Festo DC Electricity Fundamentals certification, and NC3 Festo AC Electricity Fundamentals certification.

“NC3 certifications ensure that the latest technologies are used to teach hands-on certifications that are in demand from industry today and in the future,” Hanson said. “These industrial certifications tell employers that the students and graduates of the Mechatronics program have been trained to the highest standards on the equipment actually being used in the workplace.”

All courses can be considered college credit and may be counted toward the Mechatronics AAS degree.

For more information about the Mechatronics program or Mechatronics certificates, contact Instructor Aubri Hanson at (334) 347-2623 ext. 3612 or at ahanson@escc.edu.