Bridging the Gap: How the CREATE Program Expands into Oxford and Prepares for Future High-Demand Career Fields

The CREATE program, which stands for Choccolocco Research, Education, and Technical Experience, is set to expand to the city of Oxford. The 95,000 square foot building that was once the Honeywell building will be used to host the program in three phases.

Phase 1 of the program will only be available to Oxford high school students and will introduce programs such as Engineering, Green Power, Computer Science, Robotics, Comprehensive Commercial Construction, Modern Manufacturing, and Criminal Justice. Phase 2 is set to begin in 2025 and will include high school students from Calhoun, Cleburne, Clay, Talladega, and St. Clair counties. Phase 3 is expected to be complete by August of 2026 and will continue to accept students from these five counties.

The adult training component of the program has already started in Comprehensive Commercial Construction. The aim of this program is to prepare the workforce in East Alabama for high-wage and high-demand career fields that currently lack skilled workers. Don Hopper, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council stated that this program will help build a pipeline for companies in need of skilled employees.

The CREATE program is unique in the area and has received support from various companies, businesses, school systems and state and local elected officials. Partners like Alabama Power are eagerly looking forward to matching future employees with open positions to support existing industries while attracting new ones to the region.

Leaders are optimistic that this program will bridge the gap between high school students/adults and their workforce careers in East Alabama while continuing to drive innovation in the region.