MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and its 24 colleges collected 18,377 pounds (nine tons) of trash, debris, and recyclables across the state during its 2024 “Don’t Drop it on Alabama” campaign. Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State) presented the ACCS with the PALS Partnership Award at the Alabama PALS Governor’s Awards on November 12 in Montgomery. The ceremony recognized statewide cleanup efforts in litter control, recycling, and environmental education.
“This recognition highlights the tireless efforts of our community colleges and the communities they serve,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Our commitment to environmental stewardship is at the core of our mission to make life better for every Alabamian.”
ACCS’ 2024 collection efforts represent a 67% increase from last year’s total of 11,000 pounds, reflecting the System’s dedication to a cleaner, greener Alabama. This success was made possible with support from Alabama PALS, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Paths for Success Foundation, and the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils.
“Partnering with Alabama PALS and other organizations, our colleges have shown that collective action amplifies our impact, creating a lasting difference across the state,” said ACCS Vice Chancellor David Walters.
Gadsden State Community College received a $1,000 prize for its collection efforts. The school collected 7,950 pounds of litter, the highest amount among the Alabama Community College System.
About ACCS
Alabama’s community and technical colleges were merged into one system May 3, 1963, when legislators laid the groundwork for a unified system of institutions to focus on accessible training in “arts and sciences and in useful skills and trades” for current and future labor needs. Sixty years have passed, but that important cause remains the singular purpose of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). With 24 community and technical colleges in more than 130 locations and an economic impact of $6.6 billion, the ACCS is Alabama’s gateway to first-class, affordable education and technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 170,300 Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree programs the ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The System includes the Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings directly to business and industry, and the ACCS Innovation Center, which provides rapid skills training through its Skills for Success program. The ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.
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