DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Wallace Community College-Dothan has been selected as a 2026-27 Regional Work-Based Learning Best Practice for its Wallace to Work: Your Career Starts Here! initiative. The program is also a contender for the Alabama Seal of Excellence in Work-Based Learning.
Wallace to Work introduces ninth-grade students to career opportunities through hands-on activities, demonstrations, campus tours and interaction with college faculty, students and local industry professionals. The program is designed to help students connect their interests and abilities with possible career paths.
“We are honored that Wallace to Work is being recognized as a Regional Work-Based Learning Best Practice,” WCCD President Dr. Kathy L. Murphy said. “One of the most important things we can do for young people is help them see the possibilities available to them. By bringing students onto our campuses and connecting them with educators and industry professionals, we are helping them envision a future right here in the Wiregrass and understand the career pathways that can take them there.”
The first Wallace to Work event was held at the college’s Sparks Campus in Eufaula and reached more than 200 students. Wallace is now expanding the program to its Dothan Campus, increasing its capacity to reach more than 1,000 ninth-grade students each year.
College officials said the program also strengthens connections among K-12 schools, higher education and local businesses and industries. Students can explore different careers while learning how classroom instruction, technical education, credentials and college programs connect to jobs.
“Career exploration is most effective when students have an opportunity to experience it rather than simply hear about it,” said Dr. Chris Kennedy, WCCD dean of Workforce Development and Career Technical Education. “Wallace to Work gives ninth-grade students the chance to see careers in action, ask questions, interact with professionals, and discover pathways they may not have considered before. At the same time, we are working alongside our K–12 and industry partners to build a stronger pipeline between education and the workforce needs of our region.”
Wallace Community College will present the program Oct. 29 during the Southeast Alabama Work-Based Learning Convening at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College’s Greenville Campus. Following regional presentations in November, four recipients will be selected for the Alabama Work-Based Learning Seal of Excellence.
