Jefferson State received a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission through READY Grants to Grow for the creation of a new Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
Area healthcare providers requested Jefferson State consider providing this training because of the need in the local workforce, said Danielle Coburn, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
“The addition of this new Associate’s Degree program in 2026 will increase health-related offerings for students and provide a needed workforce pipeline to in-demand jobs,” Coburn said. “The Birmingham region has the largest number of healthcare providers per capita in the country and employs 80,000 workers at the highest wage level in the region. Alabama’s Region 4 is heavily reliant on the healthcare sector as an economic driver.”
The READY Grants to Grow award will support the launch of the program, including the development of state-of-the-art lab space for students. Jefferson State was also awarded $293,608 by the Alabama Community College System for additional lab equipment.
The DMS program will be located on Jefferson State’s Birmingham campus, and its impact on students and employers will focus on Jefferson County.
The two-year Associates DMS Program is scheduled to begin classes for the first cohort of 20 students in August of 2026 and the second cohort of 20 students in August 2027.
READY Grants to Grow will distribute more than $11.6 million to help Appalachian organizations in 12 states obtain the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to strengthen their local economies.
“At ARC, we know that many of our Appalachian communities face barriers to growing their economies,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “This funding will not only help advance the skills of our Appalachian neighbors but will also provide crucial assistance to help communities maximize their ability to build financial stability.”
