BIRMINGHAM, Ala-- A delayed city funded college scholarship could open the doors to a proposed job training program aimed at African Americans, under a proposal introduced by Mayor Larry Langford.
Empty school buildings or similar facilities could become Family Investment Centers, a named program in which job training and GED programs may be taught free of charge.
“There are a number of positions that only require 12 months of education to get an associate degree in fields that the business community says it needs right now," Langford said.
Langford says his plans for a Family Investment Center specifically targets blacks and he presented material to the council tying the benefits of education to crime fighting and economic growth in the city.
“It has a direct economic impact. It impacts crime and it impacts the family,” Langford said.
Nearly every City Council member embraced the idea.
“I too, think this is a better use of the money, in terms of the scholarship money that you proposed early on. I think this is a better use," said Council member Roderick Royal.
“I agree that education is the key. That's part of the problem we have in the city. But there's a second half to that problem. We've got to create jobs. When these people get educated, they've got to have a place to work," said Council member Joel Montgomery.
Job development is not part of the program, but the plan does include job placement assistance for people enrolled.
If the program is put in place there would be no cost to participants. Mayor Langford says they would be required to participate and find jobs at the end of the program.
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