WCCS Students Receive $8,000 in Building Futures Scholarships
by Jessica Knox
October 20, 2026
Wallace Community College Selma celebrates $8,000 in Building Futures Scholarships for four Welding and Pipefitting students.
Four Wallace Community College Selma students received Building Futures Scholarships totaling $8,000 to support their education and training in Welding and Pipefitting. The college recognized the recipients during an October 20, 2026, presentation on campus.
A'Miyah Shanice Braxton, Renardo Antawn Crawford, LaNecea LaShea McConnico, and Tyrell Cordae Smith each received $2,000. Crawford attended the presentation, where college leaders and community partners celebrated the students and the opportunities available through skilled trades training.
The Building Futures Scholarship Program is made possible through a partnership between the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils and the Alabama Community College System, with support from Ala-Tom RC&D.
Investing in Students and Their Futures
WCCS President Dr. Donitha Griffin thanked the scholarship partners for helping expand access to education and workforce training. She emphasized that supporting students can have a lasting impact on their families and communities.
“Today, we’re doing much more than awarding scholarships,” Griffin said. “We are investing in dreams.”
Scholarship recipient Renardo Antawn Crawford joins college leadership and community partners for the presentation of his $2,000 award.
Griffin recognized welding and pipefitting as essential professions that help build infrastructure and support industry. She also highlighted the value of creating multiple pathways for students, including short-term training that can help them prepare for employment and continue their education.
Crawford was the scholarship recipient in attendance at the October 20 celebration.
Partnerships That Expand Opportunity
Sen. Robert Stewart spoke about the role of RC&D in bringing resources to local communities and helping schools and other organizations address funding gaps. He also reflected on his own connection to Wallace and thanked educators who supported him. During the presentation, Sen. Robert Stewart also announced an additional $5,000 for Wallace Community College Selma, beyond the $8,000 in Building Futures Scholarships awarded to the four students.
Mickey Cosby discussed the ongoing relationship between RC&D and Alabama’s community colleges, pointing to workforce development as an important focus of that partnership.
President Dr. Donitha Griffin and Sen. Robert Stewart at the scholarship presentation.
For Griffin, the scholarships represent an investment in the students’ futures and the communities they will serve.
“You are learning the skills to help build Alabama, but more importantly, you are building a future for yourself, for your family, and for generations to come,” Griffin told the recipients.
College leaders, guests,and scholarship recipient Crawford connect during the celebration.
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WCCS Students Receive $8,000 in Building Futures Scholarships