BIRMINGHAM (August 1, 2025) - Lawson State Community College, in partnership with the Alabama Power Foundation, is launching a new Customer Service Professionals Program in September 2025 to help meet rising workforce demands for skilled customer service representatives.
Funded in part by a $10,000 grant from the Alabama Power Foundation, the eight-week training program will provide training designed by employers and scholarships are available for qualified applicants. It is meant to prepare participants for high-demand roles in the customer service industry. Applications open August 1.
"This program addresses what we're hearing from employers-they need professionals
who are problem solvers, communicators, and brand ambassadors," said Dr. Cynthia T.
Anthony, president of Lawson State.
The selective program, offered through Lawson State's Workforce Development division, was built in collaboration with leading companies including Alabama Power, ALFA, Regions, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. The curriculum includes training in call center operations, business communication, sales, and customer relationship management tools.
"Our goal is to strengthen the talent pipeline and prepare students for real-world success," said Jonathan Porter, Alabama Power's senior vice president of customer operations. "People are essential to creating meaningful customer connections, and this program will equip them with the needed tools to excel in that role."
Participants will also receive resume coaching, interview preparation, and career readiness support. The program cost is $1,000, with limited scholarships available.
For more information or to apply, visit https://bit.ly/lawson-CSR.
About Lawson State Community College
With campuses located in Bessemer and Birmingham, Alabama, Lawson State Community
College serves more than 3,000 students annually, in addition to members of the community,
and other constituents. Lawson State is comprised of two main divisions--an academic
division and a career/technical division--and prepares students for employment and
career advancement through comprehensive offerings in college transfer, workforce
development, adult education, and dual enrollment programs. Learn more at www.lawsonstate.edu.
About Alabama Power Foundation
Guided by the mission to elevate the state and improve the quality of life for Alabamians,
the Alabama Power Foundation is committed to empowering communities and bridging the
gaps of inequity to create a better Alabama for all. Since it was founded in 1989
with an investment by Alabama Power shareholders, the foundation has given nearly
$290 million through collaborate efforts to support the people and communities of
Alabama. Learn more at www.powerofgood.com.
About ACCS
Alabama's community and technical colleges, merged in 1963, focus on accessible education
in arts, sciences, and trades to meet workforce needs. The Alabama Community College
System (ACCS) includes 24 colleges across 130+ locations, providing affordable, high-quality
education and training. It supports over 170,000+ Alabamians through certification,
credential, and degree programs. The ACCS also features the Alabama Technology Network,
offering specialized training for businesses, and the ACCS Innovation Center, which
provides rapid skills training through its Skills for Success program. The ACCS is
governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.
