J.F. Ingram State Technical College (ISTC) attended the Lowe’s Pro Event on January 22, 2026, in support of a growing partnership focused on workforce development, skilled trades, and community collaboration.
ISTC values strong partnerships with industry leaders and was proud to support Lowe’s Pro Day, an event designed to connect education and industry while highlighting career pathways in high-demand technical fields. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preparing individuals with the skills needed to enter and succeed in today’s workforce.
ISTC is a 2025 Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant recipient, part of the Lowe’s Foundation’s national initiative to strengthen the skilled trades workforce by investing in education, training, and hands-on learning opportunities. The Gable Grants program supports institutions that provide industry-aligned training and credentials, particularly those serving populations that face barriers to employment.
For ISTC, this investment directly supports its mission of educating incarcerated and justice-involved students through career and technical education. The grant allows the college to expand access to modern, industry-standard training tools that prepare students for employment upon release, helping them return to their communities as skilled, job-ready individuals.
Through the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant, ISTC has purchased Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for use in the Electrical Technology and Industrial Maintenance programs. PLCs are a critical component of industrial automation and are widely used in manufacturing, utilities, and industrial facilities. Providing hands-on PLC training inside correctional facilities ensures students gain exposure to the same technologies used by employers in the field, strengthening their technical skill sets and expanding their employability portfolios.
ISTC is eager for the equipment to arrive and be placed into instruction, allowing students to begin developing new, marketable skills that align with workforce needs. This training equips incarcerated students with practical experience and credentials that support successful reentry, reduce barriers to employment, and promote long-term economic stability.
Through continued collaboration with partners like Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Foundation, ISTC remains committed to transforming lives through education and strengthening Alabama’s workforce—one skilled graduate at a time.