The Building Futures program will award 50 one-time scholarships of $2,000 each to Alabamians pursuing careers in two of the state's fastest-growing trades through all 24 Alabama Community College System campuses.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama's community college system has teamed with the state's network of Regional RC&D Councils to launch a first-of-its-kind scholarship program targeting two industries with acute labor shortages: aviation and construction.
The Building Futures scholarship, which opened in May 2026, will distribute 50 awards of $2,000 each, a combined $100,000 investment to Alabama residents enrolled in workforce-aligned aviation or construction programs at any of the Alabama Community College System's 24 campuses. Applications opened in May 2026, with funds applicable to the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 or Summer 2027 semesters.
"This partnership reflects a shared commitment to Alabama's future by investing in the people, the skills and the careers that will sustain our communities," the Alabama Community College System and RC&D Councils said in a joint statement.
Program officials say Building Futures is designed to close a gap left by existing workforce aid, which has historically focused on advanced manufacturing and healthcare. Eligible aviation tracks include aviation mechanics, avionics and aviation maintenance; construction pathways cover welding and pipefitting, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC/R and construction management.
"While existing programs focus on advanced manufacturing and healthcare, Building Futures fills a critical gap by targeting aviation and construction — two industries with immediate statewide workforce needs."
— Alabama Community College System & RC&D Councils
Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees and books only. To qualify, applicants must be current Alabama residents, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, declare an approved program major and submit a complete application packet including a résumé, reference letter, unofficial transcript and a professional headshot.
Recipients will also be required to report employment outcomes to the Alabama Community College System after completing their programs, a provision officials say will help gauge the scholarship's statewide economic impact.
Program administrators say the scholarship is tailored for adults entering or re-entering the workforce, military veterans and their dependents, recent high school graduates who have not yet enrolled in post-secondary education, and workers who have experienced job loss and are seeking career transitions.
The initiative spans nine RC&D regions, positioning Building Futures as a genuinely statewide effort rather than a regionally concentrated one. RC&D Councils are federally recognized nonprofit organizations that support rural economic development across the country.
Click here to apply for scholarship
Source: Alabama RC&D Councils
