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An independent labor market report found Alabama’s community and technical colleges impact the state’s economy by $8.1 billion, with Reid State Technical College impacting the region’s economy by $33.6 million. 

The report evaluated Reid State’s impact within the primary service area of Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Escambia, Monroe and Wilcox counties. 

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) released the report by Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Lightcast analyzed data using fiscal year (FY) 2023-24 academic and financial reports from Alabama’s community and technical colleges, the Alabama Technology Network, as well as industry and employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau. 

The report showed Reid State “creates a significant positive impact on the business community and generates a return on investment to its major stakeholder groups — students and society, along with benefits to Alabama taxpayers.” 

The study also showed that for every dollar invested, students gain $6.50 in lifetime earnings, society gains $3.80 in added income and social savings and taxpayers gain $6.6 added tax revenue and public sector savings. 

Reid State President, Dr. Coretta Boykin, said the report indicates that Reid State’s investments into maximizing training for local residents is “transforming lives and changing generations” for years to come. 

“I can’t say enough about the faculty, staff, students, community leaders and other stakeholders who, since 1963, have been dedicated to Reid State’s success in Conecuh County and surrounding areas. This report demonstrates that education works and will always generate a return on investment,” she said. 

“We’re continuing to evolve, continuing to make improvements that make more and more residents choose to live, work and raise their families in our communities. From opening new sites to expanding our current locations, Reid State keeps making a difference.” 

Reid State currently serves a record number of more than 680 students in all programs, including dual enrollment, across its Evergreen campus and sites in Monroeville and Georgiana. Traditional enrollment has increased to 577, which is up more than 100 students from Spring 2024 and is the largest spring enrollment since 2012, when enrollment was 592. The college also experienced record enrollment in fall 2024. 

While Reid State plays a role in attracting and retaining talent, its greatest impact comes from its graduates. In FY 2023-24 alone, Reid State alumni generated $23.8 million in added income, supporting the equivalent of 415 jobs in Alabama. 

“Our students and graduates are working, earning, and reinvesting in Alabama’s communities,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Businesses across the state rely on them to keep operations strong.  No other entity has a greater reach in education and workforce training, and we are committed to ensuring every student leaves our colleges prepared to contribute to their communities, their industries, and Alabama’s economic growth.”  

The full report can be accessed at rstc.edu/economicimpact.  

Reid State Technical College, a member of the Alabama Community College System, is an associate degree granting, two-year institution that provides quality academic and technical education to students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Based in Evergreen, Alabama, with an additional site for CDL training in Monroeville, Reid State provides workforce training for degrees, short-term and long-term credentials and dual enrollment for students across a service area that includes Conecuh, Monroe, and Escambia counties and portions of Butler, Covington, and Wilcox counties. The college promotes economic growth by preparing a qualified workforce for business and industry. The college’s athletics programs are a member of the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).