Life beyond high school has become a field of opportunities for area students with new and expanded educational offerings close to home.

Central Alabama Community College has proved to be a wise investment in Childersburg, but a new site in Talladega in recent years has upped the commitment and increased enrollment.

Across the river in Pell City, a new Jefferson State Community College is doing likewise, encouraging post secondary work en route to a four-year college or attaining a two-year associate’s degree.

But more than that, these community colleges are opening their doors to new and better approaches to education. Dual enrollment, which allows a high school student to earn college credits while in high school, is gaining attention.

And the ability to earn a four-year degree at Jefferson State Community College through partnerships with places like Jacksonville State University, UAB and Huntington College is becoming more attractive.

Then, there is workforce development, where students can train or re-train for jobs to provide a quality workforce for the business community. The line workers program at CACC and the new icademy at Jefferson State are real life examples of providing relevant curriculum tailored to the needs of the business community.

The community college system is playing a pivotal role in the future of Talladega and St. Clair County students, and their work should be encouraged, supported and, of course, continued.