Gadsden State launches 'Cardinal Promise' discount, highlights local workforce and dual-enrollment programs
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Summary
Gadsden State Community College told the Gadsden City Council it enrolls hundreds of local students through dual-enrollment, provides workforce training to city employees and is offering a "Cardinal Promise" tuition discount (50% off through March 1) to expand access for area residents.
Alan Smith, president of Gadsden State Community College, told the Gadsden City Council on Jan. 13 that the college is expanding local access to higher education through dual-enrollment, workforce programs and a temporary tuition discount called the "Cardinal Promise." Smith said the college estimates its annual economic impact in the region at roughly $270.5 million and highlighted several locally focused programs.
Smith described a continuing dual-enrollment partnership with Gadsden City High School that currently teaches about 320 Gadsden students at no cost. He said the college has awarded roughly $270,000 in scholarships to local students and that 508 students either graduated from Gadsden State or are currently in dual enrollment with the district.
"From now until March 1 ... anybody that's in our city or in our service area, regardless of whether or not they're a high school senior graduating or an adult ... will receive 50% tuition reduction when they start college with us," Smith said, describing the Cardinal Promise as a measure to remove affordability barriers for both recent high-school graduates and adult learners. He added that students who previously took dual-enrollment classes could be eligible for a 75% tuition discount.
Smith also described workforce-development offerings on the Valley Street campus and said Gadsden State provided $54,000 in training last year to 25 city employees, including firefighters and public works staff. He noted athletics and community-service participation by student athletes and invited city officials to partner on outreach and promotional efforts.
Mayor Ford, who spoke after the presentation, praised the college as a regional workforce asset and credited it as a point of attraction for recent industry recruitment. Council members echoed thanks and encouraged staff to help promote the Cardinal Promise and the college's hybrid and evening programs.
The college provided printed flyers about the Cardinal Promise and invited city officials to coordinate publicity; Smith said the program runs through March 1 and urged prospective students to complete an application and FAFSA to access scholarship funding.
What's next: The cardinals-promise discount is available through March 1; prospective students are directed to Gadsden State’s admissions channels to apply and complete financial-aid steps. The council did not take any action on the announcement itself.
