Grow Southeast Alabama Opens Applications for Workforce Development Scholarship

High school seniors and first-year community college students can apply for a $1,000 scholarship through Grow Southeast Alabama, a coalition of 11 counties working together to support the region’s economic development. The scholarship is for students staying in Southeast Alabama who plan to pursue vocational degrees or trade certifications.  

“Investing in the workforce is a key aspect of economic development, and this scholarship makes it easier for students in the region to afford education and training,” says Holle Smith, President of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODCEDC). “It also showcases our quality community colleges and the relevant training programs they provide.”

The scholarship application is available online. One student from each of the 11 counties in Grow Southeast Alabama’s region, including Dale County, will receive a scholarship.

Dale County is Matching the Funds for Its Scholarship Recipient 

Not only can high school and first-year community college students across the region receive $1,000 scholarships from Grow Southeast Alabama, but the recipient from Dale County will also receive an additional $1,000, bringing the total funds to $2,000. The Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation has decided to match the scholarship to maximize its impact, further reducing education and training costs.  This is a $500 increase from the match they have provided in previous years.

“The community colleges in our region do an excellent job of making education affordable for students, but almost every degree or certification comes with costs,” says Smith. “We are honored to match the Grow Southeast Alabama scholarship funds to make career-readiness even more accessible for one of our residents.” 

Applications Close Friday, March 13

Students can apply for the $1,000 scholarship (with Dale County match) from now until Friday, March 13, 2026. This gives students ample time to complete the application, which requests both technical information about their studies and open-ended questions related to their interests. Applicants will also be asked to provide references, which could include their professors, employers, and community members.

The funds will be distributed to the community college where the student is enrolled. This is not a cash scholarship where the student receives the money directly. Scholarship funds can be used to cover a wide range of expenses, including tuition, course materials, and textbooks. The community college will deduct the scholarship from any costs the student incurs until the funds run out. 

Multiple Community Colleges Support Dale County

Students applying for this scholarship and matching funds can choose the community college that offers the best program for their educational needs. Wallace Community College (WCC) offers a diverse range of programs to meet student needs, with coursework ranging from two-day training sessions to multi-year associate degrees.

Students can also enroll in Enterprise State Community College’s Enterprise Campus or Ozark Campus, home of the Alabama Aviation College. This is where the next generation of airframe and powerplant mechanics learn how to keep aircraft of all sizes safe in the air.

Learn more about the education partners supporting ODEDC and the residents of Dale County. Both K-12 and post-secondary education programs have curricula designed to prepare students for success in the workforce. 

Explore Dale County’s Investment in Workforce Development

The team at ODEDC prioritizes workforce development in Dale County to better prepare residents for successful careers. Learn more about the workforce resources available in the region and some of the major employers that choose to operate here. The proximity to Fort Rucker means there are significant military assets in Dale County, including contractors and aviation specialists. Not only does your business have a future here, but there’s an eager workforce ready to grow its skills.

Contact ODEDC to learn more about the workforce and location advantages of choosing Dale County, Alabama.