West Alabama Works gets national recognition, grant money for efforts in workforce development

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - The effort to support businesses and help people find jobs is paying off in west Alabama.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York recognized West Alabama Works for workforce development, educating youth, and demonstrating what fostering cooperation accomplishes.

The honor makes it one of ten Exemplars in Education according to the Carnegie Corporation.

Judges looked at how West Alabama Works works with industry, educators, and grows the workforce in the state.

Carnegie saluted West Alabama Works for building a coalition of more than 250 representatives in business, K-12 school districts, non-profits, higher education, and elected leaders from the local to the state level to leverage that into job opportunities for youth and adults.

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It’s a big deal according to West Alabama Works Executive Director Donny Jones.

“This is another opportunity that west Alabama is a beacon, a light in so many different areas of Alabama like the Black Belt that hasn’t had a spotlight shined on it in so many years,” Jones said. “So, this is going to be an opportunity to show the country what we’re doing to make a difference in the lives of students, for businesses, for the community,”

With the recognition comes a $200,000 grant.

Jones said they will invest that money into upcoming events like Worlds of Works, where West Alabama Works puts graduating seniors in full-time jobs and IGNITE, which is a summer job fair for high school underclassmen.

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