Oxford, AL – On Thursday, April 11th, a landmark press conference heralded the opening of the Choccolocco Research, Education and Technical Experience (CREATE) center in Oxford, Alabama. The center, a brainchild of collaborative efforts between Oxford City Schools, the City of Oxford, and the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, aims to tackle the pressing issue of skilled workforce shortage while fostering innovation in East Alabama.
CREATE stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and forward-thinking initiatives. It is poised to become a regional hub for workforce development, technology, and innovation, targeting high-wage, high-demand career fields critical for the region’s economic growth.
At the heart of CREATE’s mission is the provision of diverse pathways for both students and adults to acquire essential skills and qualifications. The center offers a strategic roadmap divided into three phases, each focusing on specific career sectors:
– Phase 1 (August 2024): Engineering, Green Power, Computer Science, Robotics, Comprehensive Commercial Construction, Modern Manufacturing, and Criminal Justice.
– Phase 2 (August 2025): Cybersecurity, Mechanical and Electrical Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Transportation, Distribution, Logistics, and STEM Research, Innovation, and Technology Development.
– Phase 3 (August 2026): Aviation.
This phased approach ensures a systematic rollout of programs catering to the evolving needs of the workforce and aligning with emerging industry trends.
The location of CREATE, housed in the former 95,000 square-foot Honeywell building, strategically positions it as a central point accessible to students from five counties within a 30-40 minute radius. Oxford City Schools, in partnership with neighboring educational institutions, will gradually open the doors of opportunity to students, starting with Oxford High School and expanding to encompass a wider regional reach over the next three years.
CREATE’s impact extends beyond the realm of formal education. Adult training programs, already underway in Comprehensive Commercial Construction, signify a commitment to lifelong learning and upskilling opportunities for the community. Through initiatives like the Alabama Construction Industry Craft Training Board Grant, adults have access to evening classes, fostering a culture of continuous development and career advancement.
Lorie Denton, CREATE Director, shared her insights with the Calhoun Journal, reflecting on the journey leading up to the center’s fruition. “This has been a project that we have dreamed up, but again, the moving parts didn’t really start happening until about a year and a half ago, and it’s been very overwhelming. If I start thinking about it, I will get overwhelmed and I’ll have to just back off because it’s so much work so many moving pieces every day. Our primary goal is getting students in the building. There’s a few little things that we’ve got to do over the summer, but it’s not a big deal. Once we get students in here in August, we’ll be able to start working a little more on the architect side that he wants to work on, which is making it look pretty, but that was never our goal. We are here to retain the population, we’re here to provide a stable workforce for our businesses. The businesses and industries understand that and they have to have skin in the game, and they do have skin in the game. Every industry looks different. It depends on what they do and what they have that we need. The goal is to be sustainable from generation to generation.”
Dr. Stanley, Oxford City School Superintendent, emphasized the significance of this initiative. “This is a game changer for this area. The collaborative spirit between the schools and industry is just amazing, and it is the right thing to do for the students and the region.”
Don Hopper, Executive Director for the Economic Development Council, highlighted the crucial role CREATE plays in building a sustainable workforce pipeline. “We’ve got to find ways to build that pipeline for the workforce. CREATE will help do that through all of the pathways that are offered. It will help our local industries, help our local businesses. We have to listen to our industries and find out what they need and then figure out how we can help provide that. I’m excited about this new project because it will be such a benefit to this region.”
Dr. Tony Bolton, President of the Oxford City Schools Board, echoed the sentiment of excitement and anticipation for the positive impact CREATE will have on students and the community. “We just are excited for students to get into the workforce, to learn skills and be able to have high-paying jobs, and to have to help the community and hopefully grow even more every day.”
These remarks from key stakeholders underscore the collaborative effort and shared commitment to driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and empowering the workforce in East Alabama through the CREATE center. As the center prepares to welcome its first cohort of students in August, it sets the stage for a transformative journey towards a brighter future for all stakeholders involved.
The success of CREATE owes much to the unwavering support of its extensive network of partners. From local businesses and industries to educational institutions and government agencies, stakeholders have rallied together to realize the center’s vision. Their involvement, spanning curriculum development, infrastructure enhancement, and resource mobilization, underscores a shared commitment to nurturing talent and driving economic prosperity.
As CREATE prepares to usher in a new era of workforce development and technological innovation, it leaves an indelible mark on the economic landscape of East Alabama. By equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market, the center not only shapes the future workforce but also secures the region’s position as a hub of excellence and opportunity.
In essence, CREATE symbolizes the power of collaboration, innovation, and community empowerment—a beacon of hope illuminating the path towards a brighter, more prosperous future for East Alabama and beyond.
