Gadsden, Ala. – Two Gadsden State Community College students from the Valley Street Campus attended the inaugural Thurgood Marshall College Fund Workforce Development Summit held Jan. 30-Feb. 1 in Birmingham. The students are Giaus Spurgeon and Dyamond McCadney.
The Summit, which serves as a forum for Historically Black Community Colleges to connect with workforce talent and industry partners, provided an invaluable three-day experience for the students to learn the skills required to thrive, grow and lead in their chosen fields. In addition to the Summit experience, both students received the Cal and Annette Johnson Scholarship worth $15,000 each. The scholarships are a part of the Summit’s commitment to supporting the education and professional development of students from HBCCs.
“We are very proud of Giaus and Dyamond,” said Ricky Tillis, director of the Valley Street Campus. “A scholarship worth $15,000 is substantial and will significantly ease their financial burdens. It allows them to continue their studies with full focus.”
McCadney, a 27-year-old native of Union City, Tenn., is pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at the Valley Street Campus. McCadney, who is in her second year at Gadsden State, chose the community college for its proximity to her home and its status as an HBCC.
“Gadsden State has been a perfect match for me,” she said. “The program also has an amazing success rate for sonographers.”
After graduation, McCadney plans to apply for Gadsden State’s Echocardiography Certificate Program and is considering continuing her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Reflecting on her experience at the Summit, McCadney said it was phenomenal.
“I learned so many skills, such as taking control of my credit and negotiating my salary,” she said. “The job fair was an incredible opportunity, and we were able to meet with a number of companies.”
McCadney expressed her gratitude upon receiving the $15,000 scholarship.
“I have been working the entire time I've been in college,” she said. “It's unbelievable to think that not only is my tuition paid now, but I can also fully focus on my studies. I am so grateful for the Summit and the scholarship fund for giving me this amazing opportunity.”
Spurgeon, an 18-year-old from Albertville, is working toward a short-term certificate in Construction Technology at the Valley Street Campus. He chose the program because of his hands-on learning style and his passion for carpentry.
“I’ve really enjoyed helping others with the work the program does for Habitat for Humanity,” he said. “It has been awesome to help build houses.”
Spurgeon plans to pursue an associate degree in general studies at Gadsden State and hopes to become an entrepreneur in the construction field.
“I’m still trying to figure out my life’s path, but I know I want to help people by building homes that low-income people can afford,” he said.
Spurgeon said he was shocked and thrilled to learn he had received the $15,000 scholarship.
“I never considered that I would be a scholarship recipient,” he said. “I didn’t even realize they called my name. I just sat there shocked for a minute.”
The Valley Street Campus, which was once the only vocational training school for Black Americans, earned its HBCU designation in 1997 and continues to serve as a beacon of educational excellence for underserved communities. The campus was one of six community colleges in Alabama selected to join the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in 2023, providing students with additional access to scholarships and professional development opportunities.
The Workforce Development Summit is a part of the college fund and aims to deepen partnerships between HBCCs and employers seeking work-ready talent. Spurgeon said he is grateful for the opportunity to learn from others at the Summit.
“I learned so much at the Summit, including the importance of being my authentic self,” he said. “Always be yourself and take time for yourself. Also, take advantage of networking. Don’t be afraid to communicate with others. That next handshake could be a job opportunity.”
For more information about Gadsden State Community College’s Valley Street Campus, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/hbcu.
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