Drake State Community and Technical College and The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) are partnering on a Fall 2026 project that will give students experience working on institutional challenges while supporting economic development efforts in the Huntsville area.

The initiative is led by Dr. Jason Greene, dean of the UAH College of Business, and Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State Community and Technical College. Students enrolled in UAH’s MGT/MKT 495 Practicum, taught by Dr. Valentina Iscaro, will work with local organizations and institutions to research challenges and develop recommendations based on data analysis.

As one of the participating institutions, Drake State will work with student teams to examine opportunities related to enrollment and student engagement. The project will provide Drake State with research-based insights and fresh perspectives while giving students experience working on a real client project, alongside industry professionals.

“This partnership demonstrates how universities and community colleges can work together to create value for students and our community,” said Dr. Jason Greene, Dean of the UAH College of Business. “Students will apply what they have learned in the classroom to a real organizational challenge, and Drake State will gain insights that can help inform future decisions. That makes this a beneficial experience for everyone involved.”

Dr. Sims said the project aligns with Drake State’s commitment to collaboration and student success and sharing resources to create win-win solutions to challenges.

“We are pleased to partner with UAH on this initiative,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community and Technical College. “The work completed by students may help us identify new opportunities to support enrollment and strengthen student outcomes. At the same time, students gain practical experience that will serve them in their future careers.”

According to Dr. Iscaro, the project is designed to give students direct experience applying business and marketing concepts in a professional setting.

“This experience allows students to work on a project that has relevance beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Valentina Iscaro. “They will engage with institutional leaders, analyze information, and present recommendations that could contribute to organizational goals.”

Leaders from both institutions say the partnership reflects a shared commitment to utilizing regional resources, supporting student learning, and finding solutions through collaboration. They hope the initiative will serve as a model for future partnerships that benefit students, institutions, and the Huntsville community, allowing work to be a lever that propels Huntsville forward.