$1.5m Arc Grant Amping up Local Welding program

HAMILTON - Bevill State Community College’s (BSCC) Welding Technology program in Hamilton is getting a shot in the arm through a $1.5 million Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant.
The award, which is a part of the commissions “POWER” grant program was announced on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and will fund expansion measures for the Bevill State Hamilton Campus’ welding program by doubling its current capacity.
The renovations are already currently underway at the campus. The weld shop currently occupies the south-half of the Hamilton Campus’ rapid-training shop. The grant is helping to expand the current weld shop into the north half of the facility, where the Hamilton Campus’ heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) center operates. The HVAC program is already in the process of relocating to a different space on the campus.
The current welding lab features 15 instructional and training booths for students to learn in. After the expansion, the facility will feature 30 booths.