Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Regions Banks awarded a grant for a newly-created program to Wallace Community College-Selma this week.

The Regions Foundation announced a $57,000 grant to WCCS for the new Shift2Success Manufacturing and Ready to Work Training Program.

A ceremony was held Wednesday in the Hank Sanders Conference Room. Regions Bank officials, WCCS President Dr. James Mitchell and Dallas County officials all attended the event.

Timmyous Brown, Cinque Coles, Kelton Davis, Ryderious Fails, Caleb Gilford, Timothy Glover, Jeremiah Huynh, Maximus Jones, Jquan Marshall, Chemar McGuire, Kory Mims, Jamarcus Powell, John Stoudemire, Tanner Wilkerson, John Wood are the first graduates of the program. Each earned at least twonationally recognized certifications. Students will continue their studies at the two-year college and can participate in the school’s apprenticeship program.

The  students thanked WCCS and Regions Bank for funding the grant.

Mitchell said he appreciated Regions Bank investing in the youth. Regions Foundation, is a nonprofit initiative primarily funded by Regions Bank.“I am honored to work with the Regions Foundation as we seek to enhance the world of work for aspiring students,” Mitchell said. “We’re building a bridge to the future. I’m always excited to see our students succeed.”

The Regions Foundation’s grant supported the inaugural class of students who began coursework.

The eight-week program gives students the opportunity to earn up to five specialized training certifications. “Our work at the Regions Foundation is about building more inclusive prosperity and removing barriers to success,” Regions Foundation Executive Director Marta Self said. “That’s exactly what Wallace Community College in Selma is doing every day, and that’s why we are honored to support this incredible new program.

“One of the most meaningful ways we can make a difference is by connecting people with resources designed to help them begin successful careers. Alabama has many important manufacturing industries with jobs readily available, and Shift2Success is helping students across West Alabama prepare for those jobs. We believe this program will benefit current and future students for many years to come.”

Shift2Success Assistant Director Robert Lee choked back tears as he spoke about the first class. “The program started off as an idea, but you need preparation to put in the work and you need one important ingredient: commitment,” Lee said.

Instructors Anne Williams and Rob Nicholson each presented awards to the class, praising their dedication .

Regions Bank Central Alabama Market Executive Robert Birmingham also praised the graduates’ drive. “I’m impressed with what I see,” Birmingham said. “I see that Wallace Community College-Selma and Region Banks care, that’s the most important thing.”

Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn applauded Regions Banks for providing a building block to WCCS. “The seeds you planted will be harvested at a later date,” Nunn said. “The seeds won’t be harvested tomorrow. It takes a while to harvest fruit.”

Dallas County Commissioner Vivian Rogers said she’s thrilled that WCCS have an opportunity to make a bright future.

WCCS Dean of Technical Programs and Workforce Development Raji Gourdine and Dr. Glenn King of WCCS Director of Workforce Development presided the event.

A second Shift2Success class is expected to launch later this month.