Dothan, Ala. (WDNews)— The Wallace Community College Sparks Foundation has received an $87,000 Community Impact Grant Scholarship from The Comer Foundation to support students enrolled in the Industrial Systems Technology program on the Sparks Campus in Eufaula.
The grant will provide six full scholarships covering tuition, books, supplies, fees and graduation expenses for students entering the program.
The Comer Foundation Community Impact Grant Scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing technical education while helping strengthen the regional workforce by supporting career-ready graduates.
Applications for the scholarships are currently open. Awards will be announced in May 2026, and recipients will begin the Industrial Systems Technology program in August 2026.
“We are delighted to award The Comer Foundation Community Impact Grant to Wallace Community College,” said Braxton Comer, trustee of The Comer Foundation.
“The Industrial Systems Technology program has a proven track record of preparing students to build meaningful careers that are vital to our community. We congratulate and thank Lee Defee, all the professors, and administrators of the Sparks Campus for helping to create a successful future for these Alabama students.”
The Industrial Systems Technology program trains students for careers in advanced manufacturing and industrial operations. The hands-on curriculum includes instruction in electrical systems, mechanical maintenance, industrial safety, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of industries including manufacturing, utilities and processing facilities, where skilled maintenance technicians are needed to keep operations running safely and efficiently.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to The Comer Foundation for their efforts in assisting students with scholarships,” said Lee Defee, Wallace Community College Industrial Systems Technology instructor.
“These opportunities allow our students to focus fully on a rigorous, hands-on education to develop the skills needed to troubleshoot and repair advanced machinery across industries such as manufacturing, food production, energy and transportation.”
Defee said the program teaches students critical skills including electrical systems, PLCs, robotics, mechanical systems, hydraulics and precision measurement, preparing graduates for high-wage, high-demand careers.
Students interested in applying can find scholarship information through Wallace Community College. https://www.wallace.edu/scholarships/current-scholarship-opportunities/.
The Comer Foundation was founded in 1946 and supports programs that expand access to educational opportunities across Alabama. The organization has distributed more than $37 million in grants and scholarships to support students and communities across the state.
For more information about providing scholarship opportunities for students on the Sparks Campus, please contact Amy Rasberry at [email protected].
