By Chase Holmes, News Reporter
TRUSSVILLE — $7 million has been secured for the construction of the Trussville Community Learning Center.
Rep. Danny Garrett secured the $7 million in Education appropriations in the recently-concluded 2023 legislative session.
The learning center is a partnership between the city of Trussville and Jefferson State Community College, which will manage the center. The planned 10,000 square feet facility will include classroom and laboratory spaces that will be designed to adapt as classroom needs change.
According to Rep. Garrett, the exact location for the new facility has yet to be determined but the city of Trussville has several locations in mind.
Rep. Garrett said the facility will not only serve the Trussville area, but will be able to serve residents in the surrounding area as well.
“This will not only take care of our area, but also St. Clair and the area in general,” he said.
The Trussville Community Learning Center will serve as a new space for instruction and training for Jefferson State. Local residents will receive access to new training and upskill opportunities in healthcare, business and information technology. The center is expected to offer programs in administrative medical assistant, phlebotomy, clinical medical assistant, paralegal, computer programming, fiber optic technician, and adult education and services.
Rep. Garrett said that while the facility is focused on adult education, there is a lot of opportunity for growth.
“It is mostly geared for adults, but it can be adapted for [anything]. It’s a community learning center. It would not preclude use for high school. It may be a cooperative effort. There is a lot of opportunity for the high school area. The focus now is on adult education, but it’s not an adult learning center, it’s a community learning center,” Garrett said.
Classes will be available year round in the daytime and evening. Online classes will also be offered. Jefferson State is planning to consult with local businesses in the community to ensure their offered programs are meeting the needs of an ever-changing workforce.
The center is part of a long-term infrastructure improvement plan for the city of Trussville along Hwy 11.