How Chandra Scott is Expanding the Possible

By Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson The Birmingham Times The nation’s first ever Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCC’s) conference will be held February 8-9 in Mobile and hosted by Alabama Possible, a Birmingham non-profit which last year celebrated its 30-year anniversary. The non-profit works to eradicate poverty but is also intentional about collaborations and has become “more focused about our advocacy efforts” particularly for those whose voices have been ignored, said Chandra Scott, executive director since 2020. Alabama has eight HBCC’s – more than any other state. These are important because some students cannot attend the traditional four-year college and “have been neglected and ignored. So, I have been calling that out at the national level and a local level,” said Scott, who is based in Mobile and timing the conference during Mardis Gras in the city and wants to give people a “learning experience and a fun experience.” Removing Barriers Alabama Possible was founded in 1993 and “the mission is to remove barriers to prosperity. We do that through education, advocacy and collaboration,” said Scott. “The focus of our work is to get students and adult learners access to success through a postsecondary education pathway.” One example she provides is her work...