Residents interested in learning more or registering for classes are encouraged to contact the Phenix City/Russell County Library at 334-297-1139.
PHENIX CITY, Ala. — Residents of Phenix City can soon take advantage of free job training courses provided through Chattahoochee Valley Community College.
The coursework is soon to be provided free of charge through a new partnership between the Phenix City/Russell County Library and CVCC. The partnership was voted on and approved during the city council meeting held on November 15, 2022.
Coursework will provide residents the opportunity to gain a certification in Microsoft computer software, arming them with valuable skills required by most businesses throughout the region. The classes will use the library’s 28 brand new computers, which were recently provided by the state of Alabama.
The free Microsoft certification can help residents gain an edge in a growing technological job market. With new skills at-hand, residents can feel confident applying for jobs they previously may not even have considered. Having the certification can open up a whole new world of opportunities.
From what the Muckraker has gathered, it does appear to be a fairly sweet deal for people to take advantage of.
The program will also offer G.E.D. classes that provide additional opportunities for residents to step-up their game and better their futures regardless of their educational backgrounds.
Those who hold a G.E.D. earn an average of $9,000 more per year than high school drop-outs.
With a drop-out rate of 13% for the city’s population of roughly 38,000 people, there are an estimated 5,000 Phenix City residents with less than a high school diploma.
Having those residents gain a G.E.D. would statistically add a whopping $45 million in combined household income to Phenix City residents.
These free classes have the potential to help put that income directly in the pockets of residents— if they are willing to go out, seize the day, and earn it for themselves.
Have we mentioned these classes are free of charge?
Details for registration and course dates have yet to be announced, though the information is expected to be released within the coming weeks.
With crime and poverty nearing all-time-highs in both Phenix City and its sister-city of Columbus, educational opportunities are paramount to creating long-term stability for the region. There are large statistical links between an area’s level of education and its rates of crime and poverty.
The city of Phenix City appears to have taken a step towards addressing the causes of its ten-year economic downfall instead of trying to cover it up — and that first step is commendable.
The program’s success lies in raising awareness. People can only reap the benefits of these classes if they know about them.
Like many city-sponsored programs, that awareness rests on marketing: a terrible pitfall of most municipalities.
That’s where you as the reader can truly help to make a difference.
The Muckraker would kindly ask that you share this information with anyone and everyone you know who might benefit from it.
Residents interested in learning more or registering for classes are encouraged to contact the Phenix City/Russell County Library at 334-297-1139.
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