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Alabama, the Yellowhammer State, joined the Union in 1819 after centuries of existence on the frontiers of the original U.S. Colonies. From its agrarian past to modern times, education has played a big part in the state’s development. A key moment came as the return home of GIs after World War II forced President Truman to acknowledge the need for a community college system across the country. Though Alabama had two-year trade and technical schools as far back as the 1920s, the Alabama Community College System was not officially begun until 1963. Today, students can find quality institutions scattered all across the state. Here are five community colleges around the state which continue to distinguish themselves.

Begun as Alexander City State Junior College in the early 1960s, Central Alabama Community College received its current designation in 1989 after merging with Nunnelley State Technical College. Degree programs at CACC include the Associate of Science, the Associate of Applied Science and the Associate of Occupational Technology. Beyond that, CACC also offers a number of certificate programs and also shorter certificates. One of the key programs is the Nursing Division, which prepares students to become either a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse. The program is offered at both the Childersburg and the Alexander City Campuses.

Lawson State Community College is located in the state’s most populous city, Birmingham, and has another campus in Bessemer. LSCC is probably one of the most complete community colleges in the state, with an established athletics program, continuing education and adult workforce training programs, a full roster of degrees on offer and a strong student support foundation which includes residence halls on the main campus.

The Business and Information Technologies Department offers students the opportunity to pursue an Associate of the Arts degree in Business Administration or Business Education, along with AAS degrees in Accounting, Computer Science and Office Administration. The Technical Education Department is the place for students who are looking to enter the workplace in a trade, with AAS degrees available in AC Repair, Auto Work, Drafting and more. Meanwhile, certificates in Electronics, Cosmetology, Welding and Barbering are among those offered at LSCC. Traditional liberal arts programs can also be pursued, with Art, English, Math and Psychology featured along with Associate of General Studies Degree and the Health Science Professions curricula.

Known as Alabama’s Community College of the Fine Arts, Shelton State in Tuscaloosa has a varied list of programs of study for local residents to take advantage of. Technology and Construction programs are well represented, with everything from Automotive Technology, Drafting and Diesel Mechanics available, as well as Welding, Machine Tool Technology and Computerized Numerical Control. Allied Health Programs include Nursing, Emergency Medicine and Respiratory Therapy.

Still, what separates the school from the average community college in Alabama are its programs in Fine Arts like Dance, Music and Theatre. Liberal Arts programs are also well-represented, with everything from English, History, Geology and Philosophy featured at Shelton State. Athletics programs include basketball and baseball for men and softball, basketball and cheerleading for women.

Jefferson Davis Community College is located in the far south of Alabama in Brewton, an ideal option for students living near the border with Florida. Like Shelton State, Jefferson Davis Community College offers a lot of opportunities for scholar athletes, with baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball all open to participation. Associate of the Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees are offered at JDCC, while certificates in repair technology and construction are another option.

Because of a relationship with both Jefferson State and Wallace State Colleges in Alabama, the curricula in Veterinary Technology, Physical Therapy (Asst.), Dental Hygiene, Electroneurodiagnostic Tech, Clinical Lab Tech and other offerings can be pursued while enrolled at Jefferson Davis. The transfer program remains strong for area students who are looking to move on to complete a 4-year degree, while AAS degrees which are ‘direct to work’ programs are in play.

Students in northern Alabama will be able to find a great place to pursue higher education when enrolling at Calhoun Community College, based in Decatur but also serving students at the location in Huntsville. While baseball and softball programs will be a way for students to continue in organized athletics, the focus is on education at Calhoun, with business and technology programs vying with Allied Health and also fine arts studies in a well-balanced catalog.

Technology curricula in Aerospace, Automation, Design Drafting and others are offered, while healthcare professions like Massage Therapy, EMS, Dental Assisting and Surgical Technology offer students a number of opportunities. Fine arts programs are another option at Calhoun, with Photography, Music, CGI and Theatre rounding out the courses. Additionally, Calhoun is home to Theta Beta, a chapter of the National English Honor Society.