How one Alabama nonprofit is breaking down barriers to post-secondary education

Sponsored

Through advocacy and education, Alabama Possible has been a leader in breaking down barriers to prosperity in our state for nearly 30 years. Now, the Birmingham-based organization is working to equip educators, leaders, students and their families with tools to build a college-going and working culture. We spoke with Executive Director Chandra Scott to learn more. 

Access to education is essential for Alabama’s workforce

The development of a robust and skilled workforce is a priority for nonprofits like Alabama Possible and companies like Alabama Power, who often partner together on these initiatives.

“We believe in creating new pathways for work that uplift both individuals and communities. We are grateful to have partners like Alabama Possible that are helping people access and afford education that can lead to life-changing career opportunities.”

Brandon Glover, Alabama Power Workforce Development Manager

One of the main goals of Alabama Possible is to increase equitable access to post-secondary education.

“We have a robust workforce to fulfill in our state, and to make that happen, we must increase access to post-secondary education. Our work is centered around making sure there are various pathways toward upward mobility (credentials, degrees, etc.) after high school, as well as access to those pathways.”

Chandra Scott, Executive Director, Alabama Possible

Alabama Possible works with high schools all over the state

Alabama Possible works with high schools across every county in the state to directly train counselors and career coaches by providing them with essential resources to best support their students.

“Counselors already have their hands full, so we take some of the tedious work and heavy lifting off their plates.

We do some of the things that often end up on the back burner like creating emails, writing letters and producing social media graphics so all counselors have to do is put in their school’s name and information.”

Chandra Scott, Executive Director, Alabama Possible

Here are some of the other things counselors and coaches are being trained on:

• How to most efficiently access + complete college applications
• Tips on how to find + make the most of scholarships
• Understanding how the FAFSA process works
• Knowing what different types of education are available

Alabama ranks #11 in FAFSA completion

Fun fact: Alabama Possible is the organization that advocated for FAFSA to be part of every Alabama graduating senior’s checklist.

FAFSA completion is consistently associated with positive postsecondary outcomes. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 92% of students who complete the FAFSA enroll in college during the following fall semester. This completion is not only important for the families and individuals receiving the aid but for Alabama as a whole.

“We know the most common barrier to continuing an education journey after high school is financials. We work very hard to connect people with forms of financial aid to help pursue postsecondary education, which will ultimately help them land a career they’ll want for their family.”

Chandra Scott, Executive Director, Alabama Possible

As students and families become more aware of the FAFSA, they realize they actually can afford to pursue additional education. In the past year, Alabama has moved up to rank #11 in the country for FAFSA completion.

“The launching of the FAFSA policy has strengthened collaborative efforts with high school counselors and 2- and 4-year colleges and universities across the state. This is a significant act that’s essential to increasing the number of students who enter a postsecondary pathway.”

Chandra Scott, Executive Director, Alabama Possible

Alabama Possible is increasing access to jobs + education

Though much of Alabama Possible’s focus is on making sure students across the state are aware of every education pathway available to them, the organization also works in other ways to support its mission.

Through other initiatives like their poverty simulations, Alabama Possible is working to increase empathy and change the way people talk about poverty—and those dealing with it—across our state.

“When we change the narrative around this, that’s when we begin to see change and begin supporting the under-resourced toward upward mobility.”

Chandra Scott, Executive Director, Alabama Possible

Alabama Power supports a variety of organizations making a difference in our community. Learn more.

Sponsored by: