Groundbreaking News: Jasper's About to Get a Whole Lot Smarter!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! A brand-spankin' new educational powerhouse is on its way to Jasper. The Heman Drummond Center of Innovation (HDCI) broke ground this week, promising to revolutionize workforce development for Alabama's high schoolers.

Setting the Stage for Success

Located at 3515 Industrial Way, smack-dab in the heart of Jasper’s Industrial Park, the HDCI is perfectly positioned for student-industry hookups. Get ready, because this $80 million, 120,000-square-foot facility is gearing up to welcome its first class in the fall of 2026! The Walker Area Community Foundation is building it, but once it's ready, the Walker County School System will take the reins.

Governor Ivey's Got the Inside Scoop

"This Heman Drummond Center of Innovation is gonna be the BEST career tech example in Alabama, y'all," declared Governor Kay Ivey. "It's not just changing lives; it's opening doors at the PERFECT time. Alabama's job market is BOOMING, and we need more skilled workers. This center? It's a life-changing GIFT!"

Skills, Skills, and More Skills!

When it's finished, the HDCI will be training around 2,100 students in all sorts of high-demand fields: cyber IT, robotics, healthcare, automotive, and construction. We're talking hands-on learning, industry certifications, college-level courses, and real-world gigs like mentorships and internships.

More Than Just Tech

But wait, there's more! The center will also feature interdisciplinary projects, an entrepreneurship incubator (hello, future CEOs!), and tons of community partnerships, all designed to make students ready for careers AND college.

A Mission with Heart

The goal? Generational change! By equipping students with the skills they need, the HDCI aims to build a thriving workforce and boost the local economy. Local leaders, school officials, and education gurus all agree: this CTE school is essential for the region's future.

What's on the Curriculum?

Think specialized academies in coding, digital media, cybersecurity, and biotechnology, all loaded with the latest tools and software. Students will also get hooked up with entrepreneurial resources like workshops on business planning and marketing.

Almost There!

Funding's looking good—85% secured so far! The remaining 15% is being chased down through grants, partnerships, and community support. Get ready, Walker County! Big things are coming!