J.F. Ingram State

# Second Chance Success Story Chad, a graduate of the welding program at Fountain Instructional Service Center in Atmore, now thrives as a level II Mechanical/Electrical Maintenance Technician at Wayne Sanderson Farms in Dothan. After his release, Chad returned to his employer with enhanced knowledge and industry certificates, making him a more valuable team member. We're proud of his perseverance and commitment to building a brighter future! #SecondChanceMonth #WeldingSuccess #WorkforceReady

Geralyn, a graduate of the Logistics & Supply Chain Technology program at Tutwiler Instructional Service Center in Wetumpka, is thriving at Jimenez Produce in Robertsdale! Starting as an order picker last June, she earned a $1.50 raise after just 3 months for exceeding expectations and now ensures order accuracy before shipping. With the company's upcoming expansion, she's in line for a management position and another raise. Since her release nearly a year ago, Geralyn has graduated DRC in 4 months, completed parole in January, purchased a car in November, and moved into her own place last month. Her keys to success? "Sobriety and God," she says. #SecondChanceMonth #WorkforceSuccess #NewBeginnings

# Second Chance Success Spotlight Toni, now an E-Commerce E-Lister at Goodwill Gulf Coast in Mobile, recently earned a well-deserved promotion! Skills from Ms. McClarin's Office Administration class prepared her for photographing, researching, listing, and shipping online items. While at ISTC, Toni earned Microsoft Office Specialist certification, ACE, WorkKeys, maintained a 4.0 GPA, and completed Troy University's Garden Program. "ISTC gave me the tools I needed to do something different. I love what I do now, and wouldn't have this job without the knowledge and experience ISTC provided." Toni's next goal? Management at the new Goodwill in Foley! #SecondChanceMonth #WorkforceSuccess #NewBeginnings

# Second Chance Success Story Lawson, a 2024 graduate of Perry County Prep Center, earned his CDL Class A, Forklift Operator Certification, and OSHA 10 certification. Today, he's thriving at Shelby Concrete in Montgomery, building a brighter future with his valuable skills! #SecondChanceMonth #WorkforceSuccess #SkillsForLife

RonDale completed the CDL Program at Frank Lee in February, earning his Class A license with no restrictions—building the foundation for a successful career in transportation. Today, he's thriving at Ready Mix USA in Montgomery, using his skills to construct a brighter future for himself and his community. In his own words: "Ingram State was a blessing to me and I really appreciate everyone for supporting me during my time there." #SecondChanceMonth #SuccessStory #WorkforceDevelopment

Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 24th at the beautiful new 17 Springs Field House in Millbrook! This evening promises exciting auction items, refreshments, and an opportunity to support second chances. Proceeds directly benefit reentry initiatives for our students as they transition to productive citizenship. Your participation makes a difference! 🎟️ Tickets: • $75 per person • $125 per couple Remember: All attendees must have a ticket to participate in the silent auction. Tickets can be purchased online at ISTC.edu/Foundation. Don't miss this chance to enjoy a meaningful evening while supporting life-changing opportunities! Purchase your tickets today! #RaisingForReentry #SecondChances #ISTC #CommunitySupport

# What's Happening in TRIO! Our TRIO students recently participated in an engaging activity about building strong foundations! 🏗️ For those who don't know, TRIO is a federal program supporting low-income students, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities on their educational journeys from middle school through college. During this activity, students explored how solid foundations contribute to: • Resilience and stability in facing challenges • Successfully achieving academic and personal goals • Developing healthy coping skills for managing stress and adversity We're proud of our TRIO students for making meaningful connections between strong foundations and their academic success! #TRIOWorks #StudentSuccess #EducationalOpportunity

🎨 You're Invited! 🎨 Join us tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. for the 3rd Annual Changing the Course Artshow, hosted by the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. This powerful exhibit showcases beautiful, hand-crafted pieces by justice-involved individuals from across Alabama — including artwork created by Ingram State students during our Oratorical and Visual Arts Competition in March. 🖼️ Admission is free, and all are welcome. Come experience stories of transformation through art.

🎉 Celebrating Dedication! 🎉 Please join us in congratulating Charlotte Robinson, Instructional Assistant, on receiving her first service pin at J.F. Ingram State Technical College! For the past three years, Charlotte has been a guiding light for Ingram students, making a lasting impact in and out of the classroom. She currently supports the #CDL program, helping men and women build a strong foundation during the pre-CDL phase. 🚛✨ Charlotte’s passion for education and her belief in second chances shine through in everything she does. Her commitment to our mission and students is truly inspiring! 💙 Thank you, Charlotte, for your service, heart, and unwavering dedication. Here's to many more milestones! 👏 #IngramPride #ServiceRecognition #SecondChances #CDLStrong #DedicatedToMakingADifference

📢 Join Us for the Annual ISTC Foundation Reception! 🎉 Mark your calendars for April 24th and join us at the new 17 Springs Field House in Millbrook for an unforgettable evening! This event, made possible by our incredible partners, celebrates second chances and the ISTC mission. ✨ Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, HPM, GEO Group, FourStar Freightliner, Alabama Power, Capell & Howard, Neptune, GMC, Kim Technologies, River Bank and Trust, Essential Ed., Blade Runner, Fine, Geddie, and Associates, Alabama Talent Solutions, Ingall's Shipyard, Howard, and Stifel. 🎨 Silent Auction & Student Art Showcase Enjoy entertainment, competitive fun, and bid on stunning student-created art! All proceeds support the ISTC Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping ISTC graduates transition from prison to the workforce by providing amenity kits, tool kits, and credential funding. 🔗 Get Your Tickets or Become a Sponsor! Visit ISTC.edu/Foundation to secure your spot. Let’s make a difference together! #ISTCReception #SecondChances #SupportEducation #CommunityImpact #ArtShowcase #GetYourTickets

🌟 Second Chance Month Spotlight: Travis! 🌟 Travis is thriving at Thacker Casket Manufacturing in Florence, where his skills in carpentry, woodworking, metal fabrication, and inventory management are put to great use. 🌟 Second Chance Month Spotlight: Travis! 🌟 Travis is thriving at Thacker Casket Manufacturing in Florence, where his skills in carpentry, woodworking, metal fabrication, and inventory management are put to great use. He builds wood shipping containers & cremation inserts, crafts casket samples for funeral home showrooms, and helps manage inventory. His dedication and craftsmanship play a key role in the company's success! 🔨⚙️ Travis’s journey proves that second chances lead to meaningful careers! #SecondChanceMonth #SkilledTrades #CareerSuccess #NeverGiveUp He builds wood shipping containers & cremation inserts, crafts casket samples for funeral home showrooms, and helps manage inventory. His dedication and craftsmanship play a key role in the company's success! 🔨⚙️ Travis’s journey proves that second chances lead to meaningful careers! #SecondChanceMonth #SkilledTrades #CareerSuccess #NeverGiveUp

Edward’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and success! After completing the Automotive Body Repair program, he spent 8 years teaching others the trade, preparing them for a fresh start. When he was released, Edward wasted no time—he landed a job within a week! Soon after, he secured his driver’s license and documentation, relocated, and began working at Price Paint and Body. Over the past three years, he has earned three raises and become one of the top automotive body technicians, earning deep respect from his coworkers. But Edward’s impact doesn’t stop there. In his free time, he volunteers at Fountain Correctional Facility, sharing his journey to inspire others to believe in second chances. His story is proof that with hard work and the right mindset, success is possible! 🚗💪 A second chance isn’t just a new beginning—it’s a path to something greater. #SecondChanceMonth #CareerSuccess #NeverGiveUp #Inspiration #AutomotiveRepair

🌟 Second Chance Month Spotlight: Meet Joseph! 🌟 Joseph, a graduate of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Perry County PREP Center, has turned his second chance into a thriving career and happy life! Now a Lead Foreman at Titan Electric in Milner, GA, Joseph's dedication helped him earn 9 industry certifications while at the PREP Center. Today, he’s not only excelling in his career but also happily married with a young child, embracing his bright future. 💡 His story is proof that second chances create endless possibilities! #SecondChanceMonth #CareerSuccess #NeverGiveUp #NewBeginnings #IngramState

Christopher’s journey is one of hard work, dedication, and success! After completing the Automotive Body Repair program at Draper, he gave back as a student aide, helping others learn the trade. Since his 2023 release, he has been gainfully employed in Montgomery, quickly rising to Foreman, overseeing material handling equipment—all within his first 90 days on the job! Now, he’s taking the next big step: working toward opening his own Automotive Body Repair shop. 🚗💪 Christopher’s story proves that second chances create endless opportunities! #SecondChanceMonth #CareerSuccess #NeverGiveUp #AutomotiveRepair #IngramState

🌟 Second Chance Month Spotlight: Meet James! 🌟 James is thriving as a Diesel Mechanic in Montgomery, AL, enjoying great benefits, retirement, and a livable wage! After completing the Diesel Mechanic program at Draper, he gave back by serving as a student aide, helping others on their journey. Now, he plays a vital role in preventative maintenance on diesel trucks, proving that hard work and second chances lead to success. James is a reliable, dedicated professional and a shining example of the power of opportunity! 🚛🔧 Second chances change lives! #SecondChanceMonth #DieselMechanic #CareerSuccess #NeverGiveUp #IngramState

🌟 Second Chance Month Spotlight: James! 🌟 James is a true leader and inspiration! While at Ingram State, he completed the Welding & HVAC programs, became a Phi Theta Kappa member, and earned 7 industry certifications, including: ✅ OSHA 10hr ✅ Forklift ✅ NCCER ✅ HVAC (2024) ✅ EPA 608 Universal ✅ EPA 609 MVAC ✅ Welding James dedicated his time to uplifting others as a classroom aide and through our Ambassador Program. He continues to share his story, inspiring others to create a new path forward. Staying connected with ISTC Job Placement, he has worked to secure housing and meaningful employment—proving that second chances lead to new beginnings! 🔥 With the right tools and determination, success is within reach! #SecondChanceMonth #CareerSuccess #Welding #HVAC #NeverGiveUp #IngramState

🌟 Second Chance Month Spotlight: Meet Tierra! 🌟 Tierra began her journey in the welding program at Ingram State and made a powerful choice to keep growing. After her release, she pursued her CDL at Central Alabama Community College and reached out to ISTC Job Placement for support. With their help, she secured a job at Ready Mix USA in Opelika, where she has been thriving for nearly two years as one of their top cement truck drivers! 🚛💪 Tierra’s dedication to education and skill-building has given her stability, success, and a bright future. 🔥 Her story is proof that second chances lead to incredible opportunities! #SecondChanceMonth #CDL #CareerSuccess #NeverGiveUp #IngramState

🌟 Second Chance Month Spotlight: Meet Marcus! 🌟 Marcus’s dedication and perseverance led him to success! After completing his training in 2023, he earned his CDL Class A and Forklift Operator Certification, setting him up for a thriving career at Ready Mix USA in N. Birmingham. 💬 “ISTC had great staff who were hands-on and knowledgeable. Job Placement & the DRC were a blessing—I applied to 20 jobs before meeting my coordinator, and I got hired immediately after!” Marcus’s journey proves that with the right support, second chances turn into new beginnings! 🚛💪 #SecondChanceMonth #CareerSuccess #CDL #NeverGiveUp #IngramState

🌟Second Chance Month Spotlight: Meet Misty!🌟 Misty’s journey is a powerful example of how education and opportunity can transform lives. After completing her studies in 2023, she earned multiple certifications, including Office Administration, Microsoft Office Specialist, Forklift Operator, and her GED. She is also a proud Phi Theta Kappa member! Now, Misty is thriving at Koch’s Food in Gadsden, proving that your future is not defined by your past. 🗣 "The staff never judged. It was never about being incarcerated—just about what you could do in the future." 🌱 Second chances change lives! #SecondChanceMonth #CareerGrowth #EducationMatters #NeverGiveUp #IngramState

🌟 **Second Chance Month Spotlight: Meet Walter!** 🌟 Walter’s journey proves that **second chances create new opportunities**! After graduating from **J.F. Ingram State in 2021**, he earned his **CDL Class A** and **Forklift Operator Certification**, setting the foundation for a successful career. Today, Walter is thriving at **Ready Mix USA in Irondale**, using his skills to build a brighter future. His story is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and opportunity. 🚛💪 **Hard work pays off!** #SecondChanceMonth #CDL #CareerGrowth #IngramState #NeverGiveUp