Alabama Power presents scholarship check to Lawson State for lineworker program
Alabama Power Foundation recently delivered a $36,000 check to Lawson State Community College in support of scholarships for the school’s lineworker program.
Monica McShan, community relations manager for Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division, presented the check to Lawson State President Cynthia Anthony.
“Alabama Power has been a great partner for us in this endeavor, as with many other projects we’ve worked on, and we’re very thankful for the support that they’ve given us for our lineworker training program,” Anthony said. “It really allows us to make an impact in the workforce industry, so we’re thankful for the partnership, and we’re thankful for the contribution, which allows us to do these great things for our community and our business and industry partners.”
The purpose of the 11-week lineworker program is to prepare students to work as electric utility lineworkers. Alabama Power partners with Lawson State, Bishop State, Jefferson State and Trenholm State to offer the training in Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile.
Lawson State Community College officials accept a $36,000 check from Alabama Power to support scholarships in its lineworker training program. Pictured from left are Jason Watters, workforce development specialist at Alabama Power; Tommy Hobbs, assistant dean of Workforce Development at Lawson State; Sharon Crews, vice president for Administrative and Fiscal Services at Lawson State; Monica McShan, community relations manager for Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division; Dr. Cynthia Anthony, Lawson State president; Dr. Joye Jones, dean of Instruction and Workforce Development at Lawson State; and Bruce Crawford, vice president of Instructional Services at Lawson State. (contributed)
The program teaches students the fundamentals of electricity as well as the math and science required for working on power lines. In addition to classroom instruction, students receive extensive hands-on practice in an outdoor classroom setting.
“The lineworker program here at Lawson and our other three partner schools are just critical to putting out quality candidates, not only for us but for our utility contractors, labor partners and other utilities, co-ops and municipalities around the state,” said Tom McNeal, manager of Alabama Power’s workforce development program. “It’s really raised the bar.”
Potential students who want to apply or learn more about the program should contact:
- Bishop State Community College at Lineworker Training Program – Bishop State.
- Lawson State Community College at Line Worker Program | Lawson State Community College.
- Trenholm State Community College Line Worker Training | Trenholm State Community College.
- Jefferson State Community College at Lineworker Program – Jefferson State Community College.
Lawson State conducts two lineworker classes per year. About 45 students have graduated from Lawson State since the program started in 2020, with 13 set to graduate this spring.
“Alabama Power is fully invested in the lineworker training program at Lawson State and at our other community college partners because we know that it can be life-changing for so many,” McShan said. “Graduates of this program don’t just find jobs, they find lifelong careers.”