TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – The push to grow the automotive industry will benefit some students attending Alabama community colleges.
The Alabama Community College System and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association are offering $4,000 scholarships for students interested in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry.
The scholarships are available to students enrolled eligible Alabama community college programs for the 2026 summer and fall semesters.
Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be enrolled in an approved program to qualify for these scholarships.
Many of the approved courses are being taught at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa.
“One of the biggest obstacles that we have in the region to accessing the training needed for these entry level positions is childcare and transportation,” Mike Hobson, Shelton State’s Associate Dean for Technical Services. “A lot of scholarships that you run across are restricted. They’re restricted to tuition or books. This is a versatile scholarship can be used in multiple areas that can help support students facing barriers like that.”
Dual enrolled high school students are not eligible.
Eligible programs include:
- Mechatronics
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Automated Manufacturing Technology
- Industrial Electronics Technology
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
- Machining/Machine Tool/CNC
- Automotive Service Technology
- Robotic Welding Technology
- Engineering Technology
Applications can be submitted online through the Dream It, Do It website.
Dually enrolled high school students are not eligible.
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 27, 2026.
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