Image by Ryan McGill
Bevill State Community College (BSCC) continues to be a driving force for economic growth and workforce development in Alabama, contributing $341.2 million to the region’s economy, according to a newly released Economic Impact Study by Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics.
The study, which evaluates the impact of Alabama’s community colleges, highlights the significant role BSCC plays in supporting the local economy through student success, workforce training, and job creation.
Bevill State’s Regional Impact
- $341.2 million total economic impact in the BSCC service area
- Bevill State supports 4,150 jobs in the region, contributing significantly to the local economy
- BSCC alumni generated $283.8 million in added income through their contributions to the workforce
- Student spending added $14.6 million in income to the regional economy
- For every $1 invested in BSCC, students gain $5.40 in lifetime earnings.
“Bevill State Community College is not just an institution of higher learning—we are an economic engine for our region. This report reaffirms the critical role we play in workforce development and our commitment to preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers,”saidDr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State Community College. “The partnerships we cultivate with business, industry, local leaders, and K-12 school systems continue to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for students at every stage of their educational journey.”
A Statewide Economic Powerhouse
Statewide, Alabama’s Community Colleges contribute $8.1 billion to the economy, supporting 114,043 jobs—equivalent to 1 in every 26 jobs in the state. The study also found that graduates of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) are essential to workforce stability, generating $6.9 billion in added income for the state.
“Our students and graduates are working, earning, and reinvesting in Alabama’s communities,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Businesses across the state rely on them to keep operations strong. No other entity has a greater reach in education and workforce training.”
The Economic Impact Study analyzed data from FY 2023-24, including academic, financial, industry, and employment statistics from Alabama’s community colleges, the Alabama Technology Network, and federal labor data sources.
About Bevill State Community College (BSCC):
Bevill State Community College is a public, two-year, “open door” institution committed to providing comprehensive education and support services for people in West Central Alabama and beyond. As a member of the Alabama Community College System, Bevill State serves over one-quarter million people across a seven-county area through its four main campuses and one instructional site. This expansive service area covers more than 4,600 square miles, from the Birmingham city limits to the Mississippi state line.