HAMILTON — High schoolers in Marion County will soon be able to take advantage of a life-changing opportunity.
As previously announced in August 2025, Bevill State Community College and Marion County Schools have embarked on a new partnership — the Marion County Career Academy, which will expand dual-enrollment offerings for students in the county.
Bevill State Community College President Dr. Joel Hagood addressed the Marion County Board of Education to discuss progress toward opening the academy in space that wasn’t being utilized on the college’s Hamilton campus.
Hagood said of the partnership, “This is a win-win-win. It’s good for the school system, the college and the community.”
The academy will open to students in the county when they return to school this August, if work to prepare the facility remains on schedule. Phase 1 of the academy's implementation will begin in August when students return to school, and Phase 2 will be gradually executed as the school year continues.
“We have the space; we have the vision. All it needed was for us to come together to make this happen,” Hagood said.
Students who enroll in the academy will earn high school and college credits simultaneously through dual enrollment — all at no cost. Classes will be offered in a variety of high-demand career technical education fields, health science and general academics. Marion County Schools will provide transportation for students to the academy on Bevill State’s Hamilton campus, and courses will be taught by Bevill State instructors and Marion County Schools instructors, serving as adjunct faculty for the college.
“When the students arrive there that sophomore year, they’re put on a career pathway — that could be welding, machine tooling, HVAC technician, etc., and if they do what they’re supposed to do, they’re going to walk out the door with a minimum of a short-term certificate, ready to go to work,” Hagood said.
For students who apply themselves heavily, perhaps by also taking summer courses outside the traditional school year, they could earn a long-term certificate or even an associate degree before they graduate high school.
Hagood said the partnership is poised to be a game changer for the region by helping young men and women secure high-wage jobs and meet the industry's demand for skilled workers. He referenced a 5:2 metric while addressing the school board.
“For every five skilled jobs that are available today, there are only two people to fill those roles. That is significant,” Hagood said. “That is not only a state issue — it’s a regional issue, and it’s a national issue.”
He also mentioned Alabama’s labor participation rate is 57 to 58%, according to statistics from the Alabama Department of Workforce.
“The jobs are there. We talk to business and industry on a regular basis. They’re looking for welders. They’re looking for machinists, HVAC technicians, whatever the case may be,” he said. “In most cases, these jobs are not only readily available, but with a very good wage that goes along with it. So, that’s the whole point — the partnership and why we’re embarking on these partnerships throughout our service area.”
He added, “The idea is simply this: To get students engaged at an earlier age and help them find their niche to get them on a career pathway. … We’re closing that labor participation gap, and we’re closing the gap on that 5:2 metric.”
Dr. Patrick Sutton, Superintendent of Marion County Schools, said it took many people (local and state leadership) to make the Marion County Career Academy possible. He said he is thankful for everyone’s support and appreciates Bevill State Community College for helping the school system carry out its vision.
“I can’t say enough how much I appreciate him (Dr. Hagood) and his leadership and our partnership, and how that’s played out over the last year and a half,” Sutton said, later adding, “This partnership is so good for systems like ours because you not only get the infrastructure and access, but it’s the additional programs and the instructors.”
Sutton added, “We want to grow, and we want to offer our kids as many opportunities as we can.”
Hagood concluded, “We’re super excited that we’re going to be able to do this here in Hamilton, and I appreciate Dr. Sutton being the visionary and sharing in that mission. It could be a game changer for this community.”
About Bevill State Community College (BSCC):
Bevill State Community College is a public, two-year, "open door" institution, committed to providing comprehensive education and educational support services for people in West Central Alabama and beyond. Bevill State is a member of the Alabama Community College System. Bevill State's four main campuses and one instructional site offer university parallel and applied technology educational opportunities to over a quarter of a million people in a seven-county area. This service area spans over 4,600 square miles, from the Birmingham city limits to the Mississippi state line.