by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Drake State Community and Technical College will receive $700,000 in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt through the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
Britt, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, said the funding will support workforce training at Drake State and strengthen programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. In total, Britt directly secured more than $5.74 million in FY26 appropriations for the Alabama Community College System.
“I’m honored to join our state and nation in recognizing our incredible community colleges this April,” Britt said. “The $700,000 in funding I was proud to directly secure for Drake State will benefit not just the students, faculty, and staff on campus, but also Huntsville and the surrounding communities.”
Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims said the investment confirms the role community and technical colleges play in strengthening the workforce and regional economy. She said the funds will help expand high-demand training programs, enhance instructional capacity, and support hands-on, career-ready education for North Alabama employers.
Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker also praised the funding, saying Britt’s support reflects a commitment to investing in Alabamians through community colleges.
For Drake State, the investment comes as Huntsville and North Alabama continue to grow in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.