Latest news with #CalhounCommunityCollege
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
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Bill's changes to federal loans, grants to affect Calhoun, Athens State students
Jul. 31—Students at Calhoun and Athens State can expect changes in federal student loans and grants made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act starting next year, and Alabama's nearly 660,000 federal student loan borrowers currently in repayment may see more immediate effects. Calhoun Community College Director of Student Financial Services Melissa Creasy said the college cannot yet predict how many current students will be directly affected. For the previous school year, Calhoun dispersed over $28 million in federal aid. President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which he signed into law July 4, outlines changes for new federal loan limits, the elimination of certain federal loan types, loan repayment, and loan and Pell Grant eligibility. "President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill is a historic win for students, families, and taxpayers," said the Acting Under Secretary for the Department of Education James Bergeron in press release from the department. Like other sections of the bill, public reception to student loan changes has been mixed. Denise Forte, president and CEO of the left-leaning EdTrust, called the bill a "full-scale assault on educational opportunity and economic fairness" in a statement. According to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data for the 2025 — 26 cycle, approximately 34,000 students in Alabama from the high school graduation class of 2025 have applied for federal student aid. The application is open for 15 months for any given academic year. The most recent data is through July 18. Locally, more than 1,500 recent graduates from Morgan, Limestone and Lawrence counties have submitted an application for the upcoming school year. Starting with the 2026 — 27 school year, federal loans that these college freshmen or future students borrow will be subject to borrowing caps and have just two repayment plan options. — Pell Grant changes Creasy, Calhoun's financial services director, said that Calhoun students' Pell Grant eligibility could be affected. Each year 36% of Calhoun students receive Pell Grants, totaling approximately $18 million, according to Creasy. More than 100,000 students in Alabama received a Pell Grant for the 2023 — 24 school year, according to the Education Department. Unlike loans, Pell Grants don't need to be repaid. These disbursements make up the majority of federal aid Calhoun students receive. Starting July 1, 2026, students won't be eligible for a Pell Grant if their student aid index — which is determined by the FAFSA — is twice or more than the maximum Pell Grant amount for the year. For example, using the maximum amount of $7,395 for the 2025 — 26 award year, someone with a student aid index of $14,790 or higher wouldn't qualify for a Pell Grant. The index determines the amount of aid a student may qualify for by deducting annual living expenses from financial resources. The bill also increases the amount of funding available for Pell Grants by nearly sixfold, addressing a funding shortfall, according to Bergeron's statement. Athens State University disbursed Pell Grant funds to 1,467 students in the 2024 — 2025 academic year, totaling more than $7 million, according to its Financial Aid Office. Athens State Public Relations Manager Lauren Blacklidge said a large number of part-time students depend on Pell Grants. "On a positive note, earlier versions of the proposed legislation included changes to the definition of full-time enrollment for the Federal Pell Grant program and the elimination of Federal Pell Grants for less-than-half-time enrollment," Blacklidge said. "Although these provisions may seem minor, preserving the current Pell Grant structure is a significant win for Athens State students." OBBBA also introduces a Workforce Pell Grant, which can be awarded to students in a short-term educational program — lasting between eight and 15 weeks. Such programs should qualify as "high-skill, high-wage," according to OBBBA. The grant will first be available starting July 1, 2026. "We don't have the details and the requirements, but hopefully there will be something in it for Calhoun students," Creasy said. "Hopefully they will be able to qualify for funding through that new program." Calhoun offers certificate programs in 24 areas of study. It is unclear at this time how many of those programs would be Workforce Pell eligible. — Borrowing limits Blacklidge said caps on Parent PLUS loans, the elimination of Graduate PLUS loans and lifetime loan caps will also affect Athens State students. Starting July 1, 2026, parents can only borrow up to $20,000 per year per dependent enrolled in an eligible higher education institution and a maximum aggregate amount of $65,000 on behalf of each child through the Federal Direct PLUS loans. "While only a small number of parents currently pursue Parent PLUS loans for their children, imposing annual or aggregate limits could create affordability gaps for these families," Blacklidge said of Athens State. "This may increase retention risks and place additional pressure on institutional aid resources to help cover unmet need." The bill also establishes an annual borrowing limit of $20,500 for graduate students not enrolled in a professional program, such as medical, law and business schools. Professional students can borrow up to $50,000 per year. Aggregate borrowing limits are also created for graduate school. Starting July 1, 2026, graduate students are capped at $100,000 total. Professional students can borrow up to $200,000. Furthermore, OBBBA eliminates the Grad PLUS loan, which previously allowed graduate and professional students "to cover any costs not already covered by other financial aid or grants, up to the full costs of attendance," according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "Eliminating the Graduate PLUS program could severely affect our graduate students who have already borrowed up to their unsubsidized limits, forcing them to rely on private educational loans to complete their degrees," Blacklidge said. "For context, we have consistently awarded Graduate PLUS loans over the past two years, making this a critical funding source for many of our students." Athens State gave out $438,565 in combined Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS loans last year to 56 different students. The lifetime maximum federal borrowing cap for a student is set at $257,500 for combined undergraduate and graduate loans, as well. "Lifetime loan caps could hinder degree completion for transfer students, adult learners, and those pursuing multiple degrees, increase drop-out risks, and create a greater need for proactive financial aid counseling," Blacklidge said. — Other changes Alabamians could see more immediate changes from OBBBA's restructuring of loan repayment and forgiveness. The bill has halted regulations from the Biden administration concerning borrowers' defense to repayment. The regulations were controversial and a court blocked them from taking effect pending a final decision. Also contested in court, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan begins accruing interest Thursday after roughly a year in forbearance. Loans disbursed after July 1, 2026, will only have two repayment options: the Standard Repayment Plan and an income-based Repayment Assistance Plan, which will replace multiple current income-contingent plans. People previously ineligible for financial hardship can now qualify for income-based repayment. Interest subsidies and principal matching are created to help borrowers using the Repayment Assistance Plan pay off loans. The bill also eliminates deferment for any loans made after July 1, 2027, and sets restrictions for forbearance. In a subsection titled "Accountability," OBBBA calls for an evaluation of the return on investment of degree programs. If a particular program doesn't yield a higher median annual income for a degree holder than for someone with a lower level of education, it could become ineligible for federal student loan disbursement. — or 256-340-2437 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Students learn to make parts, find careers at special Calhoun camp
Jun. 13—Colton Naylor tested his skill — and luck — while making precision machine parts this week during a special camp at Calhoun Community College. The intensive four-day Precision Machining Academy gives dozens of students practical, hands-on exposure to the world of CNC machining, parts design and modeling, said Amber Fortenberry, director of talent development and recruitment for the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, which partners with Calhoun for the event. There will be another camp in July. Participants gained experience in programming skills, including such tasks as configuring tool offsets, setting up machines and operating equipment safely and proficiently. Students were also introduced to the use of precision measuring tools. This camp for students entering grades ninth through 12th grades was held at the Advanced Technology Center on Calhoun's Decatur campus. Naylor, 16, of Hartselle, who is home schooled, said he was drawn to the camp as a sort of career exploration. Machining interested him. "Just trying to figure out what I want to do," he said. He learned a lot this week. "I learned just how complicated machining is. I knew programming was complicated but there is a lot more learning to that than I knew." He said he "really liked" the machining part of the camp. He said each part had to be programmed before they could make it. He held out something he had made — a tiny cylindrical metal device that lets air pass through. He said it was part of an engine that blows air. He gets to keep the gizmo as a memento. Fortenberry said there is such a need for machinists in the Decatur-Morgan County area that the camp is a good way to generate interest. "What's happening is we have a population that is aging out; they are ready for retirement. So, we are really trying to expose these kids to the machining trade and how to work all of the machines so we can get them into the industries that are looking for them." According to the chamber, those who sponsored the event were able to connect their brand with future workers in the industry while supporting them in gaining valuable, high-demand skills as well as partnering with Calhoun to drive local workforce development. Fortenberry said sponsors included Indorama Ventures, Industrial Manufacturing Specialties, Nucor Decatur, Joe Wheeler EMC, Redstone Federal Credit Union and Turner Industries. In addition to learning how parts are machined, the students get to see where these parts wind up, Fortenberry said. For example, the parts they make may end up with United Launch Alliance and end up in space. — or 256-340-2361
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cars & Coffee to be held at Calhoun on Saturday
Apr. 11—Cars & Coffee will be held at Calhoun Community College's Decatur campus in the Automotive Technology Building on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. It's an opportunity for people to connect with fellow automotive enthusiasts, meet with the North Alabama British Motoring Society, and have free coffee. — or 256-340-2460.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
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Calhoun starting diesel technology and aviation programs in the fall
Apr. 3—Calhoun Community College will start two new programs in the fall, diesel technology and aviation, and officials said they are both in high demand in the area. "The majority of the students we project are going to be new students that now see another viable option that interests them," said Calhoun Dean of Technologies John Holley. "At Calhoun, we've never had aviation. ... Now, it's a new offering that hopefully we recruit new students and see growth there. And really, it's the same thing with diesel." With the diesel technology degree, Holley said, the students will work on the mechanics of diesel engines. "We're going to start with light truck diesels like you would see an F-350 going down the road, a pickup truck," he said. "Then, very rapidly we're moving into large semis, heavy diesels. Then we'll get into diesel equipment like bulldozers, tractors, things like that. So, we've got a progression; we're going to move into it in 24 months." Holley said graduates could work for an automotive or heavy equipment dealer as a technician, be a field technician, or work for factories, among other careers. He said they started the program due to dealer demand. "They keep coming to us and saying, 'Hey, we can't find technicians. We can sell equipment, we can sell trucks, but we're having trouble finding technicians that are qualified to do repairs and service,'" Holley said. "So, we decided we needed to jump in that, help solve their industry need." There will be two aviation instructors and one for diesel. One program will be held in one of the two 1940s-era hangars on campus. "One of those will be going into a hangar that our manual machining program is vacating that has been using it for the last 20 years or so," Holley said. "As soon as machining moves into our new facility, everything's coming out of there. We're going to redo the floor, the ceiling, the roof, all new LED lighting, and freshen it up." Holley said they have a partnership with Pryor Field Regional Airport to use one of its hangars, which is right next door to the older hangar. The aviation program will have degrees in aviation with a focus on the air frame, which is the frame of the plane, and aviation with a focus on the power plant, which involves the engine. "We have a number of companies and contracts that have located in the north Alabama region that do repairs on motor craft to helicopters to airplanes to refurbishing military aircraft to flying commercial aircraft," Holley said. "So, just with that demand, the employment demand that we see, we took that on." Holley said Calhoun was a natural fit to start the program. "We're right beside a great airport with a large runway, and a lot of economic development going on there at Pryor Field," he said. "So, it just makes sense for us to get in and get started doing that." Aviation instructor Adam Crow said this is a a great area for the program. "I believe this area of northern Alabama has been in desperate need of an aviation school for quite some time, and for it to finally be coming to fruition is very important to me," he said. "It is a great honor to be a part in building a technology program for not only the community but to be in support of the local industry that drives the local job landscape and economic growth for this area." Crow said the aviation program will prepare graduates for a number of career opportunities. "Students that graduate our program have a vast landscape of job opportunities, not only in our local area such as Science Engineering Services, Yulista, and other aerospace companies alike, but opportunities to travel with the U.S. military and large air carriers such as Delta/United/American Airlines, and many others," he said. "The limits of where they can go and what they do are strictly up to the certified airmen once they have completed the program, because the opportunities are limitless." Holley said they expect to see a lot of enrollment growth in the two programs over the next couple of years. "In really all of our technical programs. Industry has really gotten the pay up," he said. "Graduating is really such a good compensation package; it's become very enticing. We're lucky we live in a good area with such a high demand for labor. I think it's going to be a great success when we get it all rolling this fall." — or 256-340-2460.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Students pursuing careers while still in high school
Feb. 20—The Rural Development Park program planned to begin next school year in Morgan County will help students pursue a career while in high school — from dental assistant to firefighter to physical therapy aide. Shane Bryan, principal of Falkville High School, said the park is a broad program that will allow interested students to pursue high school coursework toward associate degree programs. "It's just great to see more extensive opportunities for students to pursue a career while in high school," Bryan said. "This will give school so much more meaning to some students, and many of the programs that will be offered will motivate students who just do not experience the same success in a traditional all-day school setting. I'm just jealous I didn't have these opportunities when I was in high school. This is really exciting for all kids in Morgan County." The program will work under the umbrella of Calhoun Community College, but it will be based on the former Sparkman School campus, Bryan said. The campus is in the process of being renovated in preparation for the 2025-26 school year. The program is funded through a grant, he said. The number of students will depend on the number of students allowed into each program, Bryan said. In the medical program alone there could be approximately 140 students. There are multiple benefits of the program. Students will receive both high school and college credits in the dual-enrollment program as well as earning credits toward a degreed medical program, he said. Students will take classes from their regular school. Students in Morgan County Schools will take core classes at their home school location, which is one of the five high schools, Bryan said. The program work will be at the Rural Development Park. They will attend two to three hours each morning, or possibly afternoon, at the RDP while the remainder of their day will be at their home school. Morgan County students already are taking advantage of advanced training opportunities. Amelia Lopez, 17, a senior at Falkville High School, takes classes at Calhoun Community College. The nursing assistant program certification she is seeking will allow her to care for long-term health patients and provide a basic level of care, she said. Her love for caring for others drew her to the program. "I have always enjoyed helping others, and this allows me to get one foot into the door. My biggest fear is not being able to help my family or others if there is a medical emergency," she said. She will parlay the knowledge she attains into a nursing career. "I plan to attend the University of North Alabama where I will pursue a degree in nursing," she said. She is still enrolled in high school, but she also takes dual-enrollment classes through Wallace State Community College. She enjoyed the program, finding no downside to it whatsoever. "I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the teachers," Lopez said. "I could tell they were very passionate about the topic, and they were eager to answer any questions. I also enjoyed working with the health mannequins. There was nothing to dislike about this program. I enjoyed every class and met new people." — or 256-340-2361
