FROM THE ALABAMA
COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
MONTGOMERY, May 8, 2024 — More of Alabama’s adults seeking to complete a GED, high school diploma or workforce training program will be able to do so with scholarships, thanks to a grant to the Paths for Success Foundation from Truist Charitable Fund.
Truist announced Wednesday, May 8, that Paths for Success’ TruEd Initiative is the recipient of funding through the Truist Community Catalyst Initiative, a three-year Community Reinvestment Act program that supports local efforts with statewide impact. Truist will support 17 efforts across 13 states, reaching more than 10,000 people.
“The goal of Truist’s Community Catalyst Initiative is to understand a state’s top critical needs and partner with nonprofits to address the issues by driving meaningful collaboration and change for the benefit of the community,” said Heidi Schoonover, CRA Managing Director of Strategic Programs and Initiatives at Truist. “Supporting the expansion of Paths for Success’ TruEd Initiative across the state of Alabama creates pathways to success for the local workforce and brings to life our purpose of inspiring and building better lives and communities.”
Paths for Success, the nonprofit foundation of the Alabama Community College System, helps reduce barriers such as childcare and transportation so that Alabama citizens can obtain skills, credentials, and/or certifications that lead to gainful employment that earns a livable wage. Patty Hughston, Executive Director of Paths for Success, said the foundation’s TruEd initiative specifically assists learners in adult education programs who are seeking to complete Alabama Career Essentials training, GEDs or other professional certifications through Alabama’s community and technical colleges. All programs are free of charge to the student. Since its inception in 2023, more than 325 citizens have benefited from training or wraparound resources that have reduced barriers.
“We want to be proactive with any opportunity we have so that residents can achieve a life that includes an income from a livable wage, as their ability to do so contributes to the success of all of Alabama,” Hughston said. “It’s an honor to partner alongside Truist and many others who believe in what we do and who are committed to assisting every Alabama resident who is interested in earning the training to better their lives.”
David Walters, Vice Chancellor for Adult Education, Special Projects and System Initiatives, thanked Paths for Success for their contribution.
“Adult Education is so much more than a GED, and Paths for Success is making an effort to help train individuals in adult education without them worrying about transportation or childcare. That is significant for our adult education learners,” he said.
ABOUT THE TRUIST CHARITABLE FUND
The Truist Charitable Fund (TCF) is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s purpose to inspire and build better lives. TCF was established as a donor-advised fund and is administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation. TCF invests in local community organizations, focusing on grants that support initiatives and programs in the areas of educational equity, leadership development, career pathways, small business and community services. To learn more about Truist’s purpose, visit www.truist.com/who-we[1]are/about-truist
ABOUT PATHS FOR SUCCESS
Paths for Success Foundation is a non-profit organization designed to assist Alabama citizens in obtaining skills, credentials, and/or certifications that lead to gainful employment. The Foundation provides opportunities by eliminating barriers that impact an individual’s ability to participate.
ABOUT ALABAMA ADULT EDUCATION
The ACCS Adult Education division offers skills training, GED preparation, high school diploma option and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. In addition, three trademark programs, Mobilizing Alabama Pathways (MAPs), Alabama Career Essentials (ACE), and the Alabama Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship (AMP), equip workers with the skills they need to be successful in high[1]demand industries. All program offerings are free of charge to the student.
