The presidents of historically Black Alabama A&M University and Calhoun Community College signed an agreement establishing a partnership between the two educational institutions to create a seamless transition to AAMU for Calhoun students with an interest in social work career paths.
Calhoun Community College, with campuses in Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama, enrolls just over 8,700 students, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education. African Americans make up 16 percent of the student body.
Students in the Calhoun Community College program will complete Freshman Experience 101, Freshman Experience 102, and course offerings that prepare them for the Alabama A&M bachelor of social work program. “This will introduce them to our culture and history in a learning community comprised of only social work students,” said Tonya Perry, chair of the social work program at Alabama A&M University.
Donna Estill, dean of humanities and social sciences at Calhoun Community College, added that “the first-year experience in social work through Alabama A&M will take our students through a pathway that they can develop on their own. It attaches them emotionally to the college and the college experience. We’re really grateful for that opportunity for our students.”
