NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 3, 2025
Contact:
Tana Collins-Allred
Community & Economic Development Director
tcollins@jaspercity.com
CITY OF JASPER PRESENTS $1 MILLION TO THE WALKER AREA
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR THE HEMAN DRUMMOND CENTER OF INNOVATION
JASPER, AL - The City of Jasper has presented a $1,000,000 contribution to the Walker Area Community Foundation (WACF) in support of the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation, a major regional project that will expand career technical education opportunities for students in both the Jasper City and Walker County School Systems.
The contribution represents funds from municipal reserves that were set aside for economic development and industrial recruitment. The city identified this investment as an important opportunity to strengthen the local workforce pipeline and to support a facility that will play a central role in long-term economic growth.
The Heman Drummond Center of Innovation will be a 125,000-square-foot regional hub for hands-on training, career exploration, and industry engagement. The Center will house programs in areas such as advanced manufacturing, welding, health sciences, construction trades, automotive technology, cybersecurity and IT, pre-engineering, broadcasting and communications, and other high-demand fields. Students will learn in a simulated workspace that mirrors real industry environments. The Center will serve students from across the region and help create a seamless connection from high school to college and into the workforce.
Mayor Josh Gates said, “Workforce development is one of the most important investments a community can make. By supporting the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation, we are helping create a direct pathway from the classroom to high-demand careers for students across both the Jasper City and Walker County School Systems. This partnership between our schools, the Foundation, industry leaders, and local government shows what is possible when an entire community works together. Jasper’s future depends on preparing the next generation for success, and this project does exactly that.”
Walker Area Community Foundation President Paul Kennedy said, “The Walker Area Community Foundation is deeply grateful for the City of Jasper’s partnership and this remarkable $1 million investment. So many people have played a role in bringing the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation to life, and this gift strengthens the shared vision we all have for our community. The work happening here will transform workforce development in Walker County and position our region for the growth and opportunity ahead.”
The Walker Area Community Foundation has played a central role in developing the vision for the Center and coordinating the partners who are bringing it to life. Once complete, the Center will be operated collaboratively by the Walker County and Jasper City School Systems, with support from Bevill State Community College. The Jasper Industrial Development Board and the Walker County Development Authority will assist as needed to ensure that programs remain aligned with local workforce opportunities.
“This is a project that will benefit students and families for decades,” Mayor Gates said. “We are proud to be part of an effort that expands opportunities for our young people and strengthens the economic future of Jasper and all of Walker County.”
Construction on the Center is underway.
