Lawson State Community College: Programs, History, and Opportunities
Lawson State Community College (Lawson State, LSCC) is a public, historically black community college in Alabama with campuses in Birmingham and Bessemer. The college offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for students seeking academic advancement, workforce training, and personal enrichment.
Historical Overview
The foundations of Lawson State Community College date back to 1949, when the technical division was established in Birmingham as the Wenonah State Technical Institute. This was made possible by the Wallace Patterson State Trade School Act of 1947, which allowed for the creation of trade schools for Black students. Dr. Theodore Alfred Lawson served as the first director of the school, which was renamed Wenonah Technical College in 1963.
In 1965, the academic division, Wenonah State Junior College, was established under Alabama state legislature. On October 1, 1973, Wenonah Technical College and Theodore Alfred Lawson State Junior College merged, forming T. A. Lawson State Community College at 3060 Wilson Road SW in Birmingham. The college was named in honor of Dr. Theodore Alfred Lawson.
Academic Programs and Degrees
Lawson State Community College offers a variety of academic programs, degrees, and certificates. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 31 different fields. The highest degree offered at Lawson State Community College is an associate degree. Popular programs include:
- General Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
LSCC has transfer agreements with four-year institutions in Alabama. This allows students to complete their general education requirements at Lawson State and then transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree.
Read also: Navigating Fees at Lawson State
Workforce Development and Training
In addition to academic programs, Lawson State Community College is committed to workforce development and training. The college offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for in-demand jobs in the region.
In 2014, LSCC was announced as the leader of a four-year, $10 million federally-funded transportation industry training program across four states. The college also participates in the Student Support Services TRIO program.
Nursing Program
LSCC's nursing program has been recognized for its excellence. Lawson State's LPN Program Ranked No. 1 in the State.
Student Life
Lawson State Community College offers a vibrant student life with several student clubs and organizations. These include honors societies, student government, and special interest and service organizations. The college also has an athletic association that oversees four varsity athletic programs.
LSCC's athletic teams are known as the Cougars. They belong to the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) and Region 22 of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Men's sports include basketball and baseball, while women's sports include basketball and volleyball.
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Admission and Enrollment
Lawson State Community College has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. As of fall 2020, LSCC's student body consists of 2,823 students. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 16-to-1.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state tuition and fees were $4,860, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $8,550. There is no application fee.
At Lawson State Community College, 88 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, and the average scholarship or grant award is $5,130.
Campus Locations
Lawson State Community College has campuses in Birmingham and Bessemer, Alabama.
Dual Enrollment
Lawson State Community College offers dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. This allows students to earn college credit while still in high school.
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Addressing Workforce Needs: A Look at Community College Bachelor's Degrees
Across the nation, there's a growing movement to allow community colleges to offer bachelor's degree programs, particularly in fields with identified workforce shortages. This initiative aims to respond to student needs and expand access to higher education.
The Push for Community College Bachelor's Degrees
State lawmakers are increasingly recognizing the need for community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees. This is driven by the changing needs of communities and the evolving demands of the workforce.
Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced) introduced AB 2301, a bill that aims to address the nursing shortage by allowing up to 10 community colleges statewide to offer a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) introduced AB 2694, which targets workforce shortages by allowing community colleges to expand specific programs to offer bachelor's degrees if a region needs workers and no local college offers a specific bachelor's degree.
California's Experience
California has been at the forefront of this movement. State law allows community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees in fields with a labor market need, as long as they don't duplicate what's offered at CSU and other four-year universities.
About 60 degrees have been approved, most of them without much debate. Community colleges argue that they are often best positioned to offer students bachelor's degrees that will train them for in-demand jobs in their local communities.
CSU's Concerns
California State University (CSU) has raised concerns about duplication of programs. However, the community college system has argued that location is a relevant factor and that many proposed degrees would serve students not currently reached by CSU.
The Future of Community College Bachelor's Degrees
The movement to allow community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees is gaining momentum. As workforce needs continue to evolve, community colleges are poised to play an increasingly important role in providing accessible and affordable pathways to bachelor's-level education.
Notable People
- Former Lawson State president Perry W.
- Dr. Theodore A.
- Dr. Jesse J.
- Dr. Perry W.
- Dr. Cynthia T.
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