Practical Instruction
Real classroom, electrical, and jobsite work shown above.
SPRINGBOARDS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
EMPOWERINGPEOPLESTRENGTHENINGCOMMUNITIES
Providing construction trade training and career pathways for returning citizens and at risk youth, and underemployed individuals: based in East Alabama, and surrounding communities.
Explore Our Programs
THE REALITY WE FACE
Breaking the Cycle Takes More Than Good Intentions.
For too many people across Shawmut, Lanett, Valley, and throughout East Alabama, the path to stable work is blocked before it ever begins.
- Strict barriers to employment for returning citizens and low income neighborhoods.
- A severe shortage of accessible, informative vocational trade training across Alabama.
- Employment with no growth potential that make true financial independence out of reach.
“Bad choices produce bad results. Making better choices is virtually impossible when realistically available options never change.” Marvin Thompson
OUR MISSION
BuildingPathways.CreatingPossibilities.
Springboards for Community Development is proudly based in Shawmut, Alabama, dedicated to serving jobseekers, youth, and underemployed residents across East Alabama. Through WIOA certified programs, we provide rigorous, free vocational training in high demand construction trades, opening viable economic pathways, breaking cycles of recidivism, and building sustainable living wage careers through:
- Practical apprenticeship lab mastery
- Verifiable industry credentials
- One on one peer mentorship and comprehensive supportive services
- Clear pathways to sustainable living wage careers
ABOUT THE GUIDE
Marvin Thompson
Executive Director & Founder, Springboards for Community Development
As Founder and Executive Director of Springboards for Community Development, Marvin Thompson established the academy out of a deep personal commitment to community uplifting, dedicating the program in loving memory to his late daughter, Shawtisha LaChelle Thompson. Guided by the conviction that breaking cycles of poverty and recidivism requires expanding realistically available economic options, Mr. Thompson leads daily operations and workforce partnerships at the Shawmut training facility. Under his direction, Springboards spearheads WIOA Transitional Jobs and practical training with the Alabama Career Center and Sirius Workforce LLC, equipping jobseekers, youth, and underemployed community members with verified mastery over high demand construction trades, nationally recognized credentials, and sustainable living wage careers.
“You can either praise us or criticize us, we’re still gonna be about our business of community uplifting.” Marvin Thompson, Executive Director
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
See the Work. Meet the Mission.
A look at the people and practical work at the heart of Springboards.
Tuition Free Training
Rigorous vocational training designed to expand economic options.
Community Rooted Work
Practical projects that help build safer, stronger neighborhoods.
Leadership Accountability
A clear point of view grounded in skilled trade mastery.
Our programs
Programs That Create Lasting Change
Practical pathways that connect people with skills, support, and opportunity.
Learn
Build foundations in carpentry, framing, electrical basics, and safety credentials.
Learn
Foundational trade skills and verified industry credentials.
- Carpentry & drywall framing
- Plumbing basics & pipefitting
- Residential electrical wiring
- HVAC installation fundamentals
- Brick masonry & concrete work
Enrollment details coming soon.
Train
Apply trade skills and jobsite safety through on-the-job and transitional training.
Build
Turn supervised practice in carpentry, electrical, and other trades into mastery.
Build
Apprenticeship pathways with journeyman mentoring and live worksite builds.
- Carpentry & finish framing
- Advanced electrical apprentice hours
- Jobsite safety & OSHA certifications
- Journeyman field supervision
- Employer sponsor connections
Future pathway details coming soon.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Your 3-Step Journey to a Career
Start with a conversation, find the right support, and take your next step toward skilled work.
Tell Us Your Goals
Share your interests and questions by email or contact Springboards at the Lanett community center.
Start a conversationMeet Your Mentors
Discuss your trade interests, learn about current pathways, and identify the guidance and eligibility steps that fit your goals.
Contact the teamQualify and Begin Work
Stop by your local Alabama Career Center to confirm eligibility and complete onboarding, then join Springboards for orientation and paid training.
Connect with us
Program inquiry
Share your contact information and we will follow up about this pathway.
Submission Confirmed
Inquiry Successfully Sent!
Thank you, there. Your inquiry for the selected program has landed in our team inbox. A Springboards advisor will follow up with you within 1–2 business days.
Grow with us
Partner With Springboards.
Organizations, employers, and local businesses can help expand training, mentorship, and sustainable employment pathways across our communities.
News & events
What's Happening at Springboards
Help Build Stronger Communities
Volunteer Monday through Thursday to help clean, repair, and safely demo project spaces.
Time blocks are scheduled by the hour.
Come Ready to Work
Bring positive energy and arrive prepared to follow site instructions and safety guidance.
- Positive attitude
- Comfortable work clothes
- Protective work shoes
- Water bottle
Additional tools and safety guidance will be provided on site.
Report to Springboards
Report to the Springboards Community Center when you arrive for your scheduled hourly block.
Volunteer dates and hourly signup details will be posted as they are scheduled.
Volunteer interest
Express Volunteer Interest
Volunteer dates and hourly signup blocks will be posted when confirmed. Share your availability and interests so we can reach out as upcoming projects open.
Submission Confirmed
Volunteer Interest Received!
Thank you, there! We've recorded your availability for community work at the Springboards Community Center. Our coordinator will contact you directly as hourly blocks are scheduled.
Clear Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our free trade programs, worksite partnerships, and community training.
How much does training cost at Springboards?
Every Springboards vocational program is 100% free to participants. Tuition, certification testing fees, personal protective equipment, work boots, and practice materials are fully sponsored through grant funding, corporate sponsorships, and generous community donors.
Who is eligible to participate in Springboards programs?
Springboards is based in Shawmut, Alabama, and primarily serves Alabama residents across Chambers County and East Alabama. Through WIOA certified programs in partnership with the Alabama Career Center, we specifically welcome jobseekers, youth ages 18 to 24, and underemployed adults seeking viable, tuition free career pathways in the skilled construction trades.
What credentials and certifications can I earn?
Depending on your chosen trade pathway, you work toward industry credentials that employers actively require, including:
- NCCER Core & Craft Credentials: Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Plumbing, and HVAC
- OSHA 10 Hour & 30 Hour Construction Safety credentials
- EPA 608 Universal Certification for HVAC refrigerant handling
- First Aid / CPR / AED workplace safety certifications
Where and when are programs held?
Programs operate directly out of our center in Shawmut at the Springboards Community Center, 2269 15th Ave. S.W., Lanett, AL 36863. Serving Shawmut, Lanett, Valley, and surrounding Alabama communities, WIOA training blocks, trade workshops, and volunteer shifts run Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
How does the Transitional Jobs model work?
Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, participants are verified through the Alabama Career Center in Valley, AL, and referred to participating host worksites. Wages are public through Sirius Workforce LLC, providing authentic jobsite experience under seasoned trade mentors with a direct bridge to public practical training and permanent employment.
How can local employers and volunteers get involved?
Employers can partner with Springboards as host worksites or hiring partners by emailing info@springboardsfcd.org. Volunteers can register for community service blocks to help renovate center facilities, prep trade tools, and assist with neighborhood revitalization projects.
Legal & Transparency
Privacy Policy & Terms
Effective Date: September 2026
Springboards for Community Development is dedicated to protecting the privacy of prospective students, participants, volunteers, and donors.
1. Information We Collect
We only collect personal information that you voluntarily submit through our program inquiry, volunteer signup, donation, or direct contact triggers, including your name, telephone number, email address, availability, and trade preferences.
2. How Information Is Used
Submitted information is used exclusively to contact you regarding vocational training enrollment, volunteer project scheduling, partner inquiries, or deductible donation receipts. We never sell, rent, trade, or distribute your personal details to external advertisers or telemarketers.
3. Equal Opportunity & Equality
Springboards provides training and career services regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or background, in accordance with applicable federal and state guidelines.
4. Your Rights & Contact
You may request to view, modify, or delete your contact records from our database at any time by emailing info@springboardsfcd.org or calling 615-603-1157.
Second Chances • Real Wages • Zero Debt
Trade Training Candidate Application
Apply for tuition-free construction trade training with direct pathways into high-demand careers.
Application Received
You're On Your Way!
Thank you, there! We've received your application for the Carpentry & Construction Technology trade track. An intake counselor will contact you by phone or email within 1–2 business days to schedule your intake interview and verify required documents.
Workforce Collaboration
Partner With Springboards
Partner with us by contributing building materials, donating commercial tools and equipment, or providing guest trade mentorship.
Partnership Received
Thank You for Supporting Our Community!
Thank you, Partner from your company! Executive Director Marvin Thompson and our operations team will connect with you to coordinate material deliveries, tool receipt documentation, and sponsorship acknowledgment.
Empower A Trainee
Invest in Second Chances & Community Growth
Your 100% deductible gift keeps vocational trade training completely free for jobseekers and opportunity youth.
$50
Safety Gear & OSHA Card
Equips one trainee with an OSHA 10 Hour safety credential, hard hat, safety glasses, and reinforced work gloves.
$150
Trainee Tool Belt
Provides a complete leather trades tool belt, 25-ft tape measure, 20oz framing hammer, speed square, and torpedo level.
$500
Textbooks & Exam Fees
Covers NCCER craft textbook modules, practical training lumber, electrical boxes, and official certification exams.
$1,500+
Full Student Sponsorship
Sponsors a participant's training stipend, transportation assistance, boots, and tools all the way to apprenticeship placement.
Ways to Contribute
Electronic Giving & Bank Transfer
Send contributions via Zelle or direct electronic payment to: info@springboardsfcd.org. Please include your name in the memo for your tax receipt.
Mail a Check
Make checks payable to: Springboards for Community Development
Mailing Address: 2269 15th Ave. S.W., Lanett, AL 36863
Resource Tools, Equipment & Building Materials
We welcome brand new or gently used power tools, hand tools, framing lumber, electrical conduit, and copper/PVC fittings. Delivery hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the center.
Pledge Support / Request Donation Receipt
Pledge Received
Thank You For Investing in Our Community!
Thank you, Supporter! Your pledge has been recorded and delivered to the Springboards board. Our administration will send your formal deductible receipt to your email address.
Official Resources
Program Documents & Downloads
Official overview documents, worksite guides, volunteer schedule flyers, and candidate requirements for download and printing.
Community Flyer
Springboards Community Flyer & Volunteer Schedule
Official community center flyer outlining Monday–Thursday work block hours (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM), dress code, tool prep, and civic service opportunities.
Optimized Web Asset (270 KB) • Original High-Res (2.3 MB)
Checklist
Trainee Intake Checklist & Required Documents
Everything you need to bring to your enrollment session: Valid Government Photo ID, Social Security Card or Work Authorization, and Career Center registration.
Digital Intake Guide