Walker County’s New Center For Innovation Delayed

The opening of one of the largest investments ever in Walker County history has been delayed until next month.

The Drummond Center for Innovation, a major new, state‑of‑the‑art career and technical education hub, is expected to transform workforce development for high school students across Walker County and the City of Jasper.

Get our free mobile app

The  125,000–120,000 sq. ft.HDCI, located within the industrial park, was expected to open with the beginning of the new school year Wednesday, but construction delays have pushed back the opening until after Labor Day.

The $100 million facility is replacing the current Walker County Center of Technology in Jasper. It is considered one of the most significant workforce investments in Walker County’s history and is jointly funded by federal and state grants, a $1 million contribution from the City of Jasper and a $500,000 challenge grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

Some 900 students will be led by some 100 faculty members in simulated industrial environments across fields such as:

• Advanced manufacturing & welding,
• Health sciences & healthcare technology,
• Construction trades & industrial maintenance,
• Automotive technology,
• Cybersecurity & IT,
• Robotics & engineering, and
• Broadcasting, communications, and digital media

These programs include industry‑recognized certifications, dual enrollment with Bevil State Community College, and paid internships or apprenticeships according to the City of Jasper website.

The goal for the HDCI is to create a seamless pathway from high school to the workforce, with good salaries, provide long-term regional economic growth, and help keep young people from moving away for a quality job.