MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- In a new alliance, Maxwell is teaming up with H. Councill Trenholm State Community College to tackle a critical challenge for military families; the need for reliable, high-quality childcare. This innovative partnership is set to strengthen the home front, ensuring the installation’s Airmen are ready for any challenge, knowing their children are in good hands.
Formalized through an Intergovernmental Support Agreement, this collaboration creates a potential pipeline of talented childcare professionals for Maxwell and Gunter’s programs. Starting this fall, volunteer students from Trenholm State’s Child and Human Development program will bring their energy and skills to the base’s child development centers as apprentices.
The agreement is considered a win-win for everyone involved as Trenholm State students will gain invaluable, hands-on experience and college credit under the direct supervision of the installation's certified childcare professionals. In return, the base will potentially alleviate staffing shortages and waitlists for care while enhancing the quality of childcare.
“This partnership is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for our Airmen and their families,” said Col. Shamekia Toliver, 42d Air Base Wing commander. “By ensuring our service members have access to reliable and high-quality childcare, we are enabling them to focus on their critical missions. This initiative directly supports our ability to produce mission-ready Airmen who are prepared to meet any challenge while partnering with the community in which we serve.”
The initiative is part of a broader Air Force effort to leverage community partnerships and serves as a model for military installations nationwide. By joining forces, Maxwell and Trenholm are not just filling a need, they are deepening the bond between the base and the Montgomery community as a first of its kind Department of the Air Force effort.
Dr. Kemba Chambers, president of Trenholm State Community College, expressed her enthusiasm for the groundbreaking agreement.
“This partnership between Trenholm State and Maxwell marks an innovative collaboration designed to support our service members by developing a pipeline of qualified childcare professionals,” she said. “Through this unique apprenticeship model, students will gain valuable hands-on experience working in Maxwell’s child development centers while pursuing their education at Trenholm State. We are excited to advance this partnership and the opportunities it will create for both our students and military families.”
This strategic initiative ensures that Maxwell’s mission-critical operations are supported by a stable, enriching and caring environment for the children of its military personnel.