Trenholm State among first 2-year schools to join Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Trenholm State Community College students now will have additional access to scholarships and opportunities for professional development.
The college has been accepted into the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, according to a news release.
The nonprofit fund, named for the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, was established in 1997 and, according to its website, is “the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community.”
Its mission is to “ensure student success by promoting educational excellence and preparing the next generation of workforce talent through leadership development.” It has provided more than $300 million in scholarships and program support to its member schools.
Trenholm State and five other Alabama community colleges — Shelton State in Tuscaloosa, Bishop State in Mobile, Drake State in Huntsville, Lawson State in Birmingham and Gadsden State in Etowah County — are the first two-year schools in the U.S. to gain membership in the fund, according to the release.
“The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is widely known for its commitment to excellence in higher education and supporting students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Shelton State President Chris Cox in the news release. “Partnering with TMCF will provide our students with even more opportunities to receive crucial funding for their education and internship, leadership, and professional development opportunities. This collaboration assists us to further deliver on our mission to help people.”
Dr. Kemba Chambers, president of Trenholm State Community College, said in the news release that the college is “honored to be a part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and our inclusion in this prestigious organization highlights our commitment to provide a quality education to our students. Collaboration with the TMCF, its member colleges, and its external partners will bring a wealth of resources to our students as they work to reach their academic and career goals."
Trenholm State Community College operates two campuses: the Patterson Campus at 3920 Troy Highway, and the Trenholm Campus at 1225 Air Base Boulevard.
“Adding community colleges to our membership is part of an intentional move toward a more inclusive talent strategy,” said Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Marshall College Fund. He cited HBCCs’ work in workforce upskilling or reskilling; their ability to offer associate degrees, certificates and credentials that can move students into skilled, good-paying positions without a bachelor’s degree; and their ability to provide core academic credits for students seeking a bachelor’s degree.
According to a recent economic impact study commissioned by the Alabama Community College System, its 24 institutions add $6.6 billion to Alabama’s economy and support one out of every 27 jobs in the state.
“Alabama’s community colleges exist to be a pillar of community for students of all backgrounds to be able to have the resources to reach success, and these national relationships help bolster the advantages and access student have to significant opportunities that support their pursuit of excellences,” ACCS Chancellor Jimmie Baker said in the release. “The connections students and Alabama’s HBCC leaders will have through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund are bound to strengthen the avenues the colleges provide to residents who trust our colleges with the training they desire for their future.”
Tuscaloosa News editor Ken Roberts contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Trenholm State becomes part of Thurgood Marshall College Fund
