Workforce & Career Readiness

At the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, we understand that a strong, skilled workforce is the foundation of a thriving community. Our Workforce & Career Readiness initiatives are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's competitive job market. By collaborating with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations, we create pathways to meaningful careers and ensure that our workforce is prepared for the demands of the future.

Skills Training & Education: We partner with local schools, colleges, and training centers to offer a variety of programs that enhance the skills of our workforce. Whether it's vocational training, continuing education, or professional development, our initiatives are tailored to meet the needs of both job seekers and employers.
Career Placement & Job Fairs: We connect job seekers with employers through career placement services and job fairs, making it easier for residents to find opportunities that match their skills and interests. These events also provide businesses with access to a pool of qualified candidates, helping them to fill positions with the right talent.
Youth Career Programs: We are committed to preparing the next generation for success by offering youth career programs that provide early exposure to different industries and career paths. These programs help young people develop the skills and experience they need to enter the workforce with confidence.

Explore the programs and resources below to discover how the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce can support your workforce and career development goals.

Gateway to Education Scholarship Program

Established in 2002 by the Alexander City Chamber Foundation, the Gateway to Education Scholarship has paved the way for a brighter future and stronger careers for Benjamin Russell High School graduates. This transformative program allows recipients to attend Central Alabama Community College without financial burden, opening doors to limitless opportunities. The Gateway Scholarship has been a pillar of our community for over 20 years, driving vital advancements in education and workforce development in Alexander City and the Lake Martin area. Read below to learn more about eligibility criteria and application information.

Who Can Apply?

Graduating seniors of Benjamin Russell High School that have attended BRHS for a period of 24 consecutive months.

Alternative Education Graduates

Graduates who reside in and have been home-schooled for a period of 24 consecutive months within the Alexander City School District are eligible if they participate in a program approved by the Alexander City Board of Education.

Graduating seniors who attended accredited, private schools located within the Alexander City School District for a period of 24 consecutive months are eligible. Such schools must be approved by the State Department of Education.

Eligibility Criteria

Proof of graduation and academic transcripts.

GPA Requirements:
-2.25 high school GPA to enter a technical program as identified by CACC.

-2.75 high school GPA to enter an academic program as identified by CACC.

Applications to Complete:

Gateway Scholarship Application by Gateway deadline. Apply Here!
CACC Admissions Application by CACC deadline. Apply Here!
CACC Scholarship Application by CACC deadline. Apply Here!
Complete the FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Apply Here!

***Failure to complete the above requirements by the stated deadlines, or the submission of an incomplete application, will result in the Gateway Scholarship being denied to the applicant.

Scholarship Criteria & Guidelines

Students may receive Gateway scholarship assistance for up to 64 credit hours which must be completed within 36 months following the initial enrollment to CACC.
***The clock for Gateway Scholarship usage begins the first semester the students begin at CACC as a freshman student. The hours, regardless of Gateway payment, start at the first semester for the 64 credit hours and 36 months.
The Gateway Scholarship is a “last pay” scholarship, which means it will pay the remaining balance after the recipients’ FAFSA, and other scholarships have been subtracted. If applicants do not qualify for FASFA or other scholarships, then Gateway Scholarship will cover full tuition cost
Students must enroll at CACC and be consecutively enrolled beginning with the fall semester immediately following graduation from BRHS. If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student cannot enroll as established above, an appeal may be made to the Chamber Foundation Board.
Students will be allowed one change of program of study while completing the 64 credit hours within the 36 month period so long as the CACC GPA is compatible with the change in curriculum or course of study.
Courses paid by the Gateway scholarship will be only those required for graduation in the student's major curriculum.
No remedial, transitional, development or repeat courses will be allowed under the scholarship.
Gateway scholarship recipients will document and verify by signature that no other scholarship has been awarded. Said document and verification shall be executed at the beginning of each academic year.
Gateway scholarship recipients must maintain a 2.25 GPA minimum to remain eligible for scholarship assistance in a career/technical program as identified by CACC and a 2.75 GPA minimum to remain eligible for an academic program as identified by CACC.
Any course that is offered in the student's curriculum on the Alexander City campus must be taken on that campus. Courses may be taken on other CACC campuses only when the course is not taught on the Alexander City campus, and only when the course is required in the student's discipline.

APPLY HERE