Montgomery, AL (June 6, 2023) – Trenholm State Community College is one of Alabama’s six historically black community colleges accepted in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announced a resolution Tuesday, June 6, 2023, that establishes the following colleges as members: Bishop State, Drake State, Gadsden State, Lawson State, Shelton State and Trenholm State community colleges. Named after the U.S. Supreme Court’s first black justice, TMCF is a nationally recognized nonprofit membership organization that supports more than 50 historically black colleges and universities.

Alabama’s historically black community colleges (HBCCs) are the first historically black community colleges to be inducted into TCMF. Residents who choose to attend Trenholm State or any of Alabama’s HBCCs will now have access to more scholarships and professional development opportunities through this prestigious national partnership.

“Adding community colleges to our membership is part of an intentional move toward a more inclusive talent strategy. A four-year degree is one path but not the only path to career success,” said TMCF President & CEO Dr. Harry L Williams.

Williams continued “HBCCs play a critical role in local and regional economic development by offering workforce upskilling and reskilling programs. HBCCs across the country offer associate degrees and industry-recognized certificates and credentials that can launch students into the workforce to fill skilled positions that offer good pay without the requirement of a bachelor’s degree. HBCCs also offer students the ability to obtain core, academic credits that can be transferred to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree.”

“We are 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” said Dr. Kemba Chambers, President of Trenholm State Community College. “We are excited that, through the TMCF, students will have expanded opportunities to reach their full potential and become the future leaders within our society,” continued Dr. Chambers.

“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 students have to significant opportunities that support their pursuit of excellence,” said Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.

“The connections students and Alabama’s HBCC leaders will have through the Thurgood Marshall College are bound to strengthen the avenues the colleges provide to residents who trust our colleges with the training they desire for their future, ” continued Baker.