New $80M state of the art educational center breaks ground in Jasper

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54531314766 7cd6caf4ce o New $80M state of the art educational center breaks ground in Jasper
Governor Kay Ivey gave remarks and participated in the groundbreaking for the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation Monday May 19, 2025 in Jasper, Ala. (Governor’s Office / Hal Yeager)

The Heman Drummond Center of Innovation broke ground on its new state-of-the-art educational center in Jasper last month.

Read on to learn more.

The Heman Drummond Center of Innovation

54530451207 6921211077 o New $80M state of the art educational center breaks ground in Jasper
The HDCI will serve up to 2,100 students in grades 9-12 from both the Walker County School System and the Jasper City School System. (Governor’s Office / Hal Yeager)

The 120,000 square foot educational center will provide training in many areas including:

  • IT
  • Robotics
  • Construction
  • Automotive
  • Healthcare

The Heman Drummond Center of Innovation (HDCI) will have cutting-edge technology and provide hands on learning experiences to a variety of students from the Walker County and Jasper City school systems.

The new center will offer an assortment of opportunities for high school students like certification programs, mentorship and networking, collaborative projects and community engagement.

According to Business Alabama, the center is currently owned by The Walker Area Community Foundation. Once the facility is built, it will be transferred to the Walker County School system for ownership and operation.

“The Walker Area Community Foundation is thrilled about the possibilities and opportunities the new Heman Drummond Center of Innovation will bring to our community. Beyond our local area, we believe this center will serve as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth across the entire region.”

Paul W. Kennedy, President of the Walker Area Community Foundation

A mission to offer guidance for future generations

The mission of Heman Drummond Center of Innovation is to foster generational change and create opportunities for students to join a thriving workforce by offering a seamless educational experience that promotes engagement and collaboration to address the needs of the community.

This is a game-changer for the Walker County and Jasper City communities.

HDCI plans to open in the Fall of 2026.

Want to learn more? Visit their website – here

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Makenzi Fultz
Makenzi Fultz
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