Officials in suits turn dirt with ceremonial shovels at a groundbreaking in front of a banner for the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation — 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)

A little under a year and a half since its groundbreaking on May 19, 2025, the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation has officially opened its doors in Jasper. Developed by the Walker Area Community Foundation, the new state-of-the-art facility will provide access to advanced manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity, cosmetology, health sciences and skilled-trades education for up to 2,100 students in Alabama.

Read on to learn more about the new center plus how you can attend the community open house on Monday, November 30.

What is the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation?

Speaker at HDCI podium addresses seated crowd, with a rendering of the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation building displayed on screen — 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)

Named in honor of Drummond Company founder Heman Drummond, the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation (HDCI) is a career and technical education center designed to equip high school students with the skills and certifications they need for the evolving career paths of the modern era.

Located at 3512 Industrial Dr in Jasper’s Bevill Industrial Park, the HDCI is a regional hub for career and technical education, workforce preparation and economic development. Students can pursue industry-recognized credentials, take dual enrollment courses and gain practical experience through mentorships, internships and apprenticeships in programs like:

Automotive
Diesel
Collision
Welding
Precision Machining
Construction
Health Sciences
Cosmetology & Barbering
Graphic Design and Media
Pre-engineering & Architecture
Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates
Cybertechnology

With a price tag of approximately $100 million, the HDCI has been funded by a $25.85 million commitment from the State of Alabama and $75 million from the Walker Area Community Foundation, the Drummond Family, Walker County Schools, Jasper City Schools, Bevill State Community College, industry partners, local government and economic-development organizations.

Learn more at the community open house, November 30

Want to be one of the first to explore the new innovation center? Mark your calendars—the HDCI is hosting a community open house on Monday, November 30 where guests can tour the new state-of-the-art facility and see what’s ahead for career and technical education in Walker County.

What: Heman Drummond Center of Innovation Community Open House
When: Monday, November 30, 2026 | 4PM to 6PM
Where: Heman Drummond Center of Innovation, 3512 Industrial Dr, Birmingham, AL 35217

Excited to see the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation open in Jasper? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!

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