Drake State Community & Technical College

Drake State Community & Technical College Drake State Community & Technical College, located in Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville State Vocational Technical School was one of these schools. F.

The Beginnings of a Rich History

In 1961, Governor George Wallace founded a group of state, two-year technical institutions to support the technical/vocational career education needs of African Americans. Its original campus covered 30 acres of land deeded by Alabama A & M University to the Alabama Board of Education, and the new college opened its doors in 1962 with 27 students enrolled in four

programs – auto mechanics, cosmetology, electronics, and masonry. In 1966, the school changed its name to J. Drake State Technical Trade School in honor of the late Joseph Fanning Drake, long-time president of Alabama A&M University. The Alabama State Board of Education granted Drake State technical college status in 1973 and adjusted its name to J. Drake State Technical College, allowing the school to offer the Associate in Applied Technology Degree (AAT). Another modern educational enhancement involved Drake State’s dedication to the community. In 2010, the college spearheaded a move into downtown Huntsville by offering classes in the historic Times Building on Holmes Avenue. This had a positive impact not only on the school’s enrollment, but also on the city’s downtown development – adding students to the downtown business landscape to stimulate rejuvenation of the urban area. In January 2012, Drake State began its membership with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This landmark achievement ensured transferability of general education courses and streamlined student transitions from two-year degrees into university programs anywhere in the United States – a tremendous enhancement for the school and its students. The final step in establishing the school’s identity came in July of 2013 when the college officially became J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College. Its name accurately depicts its standing as both a comprehensive community college and a core-driven technical college – the best of both worlds.

Drake State Community & Technical College proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its students who represente...
06/15/2026

Drake State Community & Technical College proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its students who represented both the college and the State of Alabama at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) and SkillsUSA Championships held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Competing against the nation's most talented career and technical education students, Drake State students demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and dedication, bringing home three national Gold Medals and one national Silver Medal while showcasing excellence across a wide range of highly competitive disciplines.

National Gold Medal Winners
Barbering
Gold Medal
Student: Andrew Hall
Advisor: Tralanda Tate

CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer
Gold Medal
Student: Caleb West
Advisor: Calvin Rousseau

Chapter Display
Gold Medal
Student Team:
Josiah Kelsey
Rebecca Johnson
Victoria Smith
Advisor: Marquita Pruitt
National Silver Medal Winner

Esthetics
Silver Medal
Student: Alexis Davis
Model: Niala Anderson
Advisor: Dr. Bertha Robinson

In addition to the medal-winning competitors, Drake State was proudly represented by an outstanding delegation of students who earned the opportunity to compete at the national level after winning their respective state championships. We are SO proud of these students and their achievements! Go Blue Eagles!

06/12/2026

Less than a week until we bring the soul, rhythm, and smooth sounds of jazz to the heart of Huntsville!
Jazz in the City is more than a concert; it’s a summer night to remember! And this year, we’re taking it to the Mars Music Hall at the Von Braun Center rain or shine!

Featuring live performances by:
• AJ Ghent & His Singing Guitar
• Nina Marie Live
• Ryon Schultz

Here’s a taste of the unforgettable Singing Guitar experience AJ Ghent is bringing to the stage!

Tickets are flying so get yours now: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2000644C88C82E59

06/12/2026

Thank you Huntsville City Schools for partnering to support our community to gain the skills they need to thrive.
Together, we're making a difference!

Level up your skills with the Drake State Esports Club! 🎮 Join us June 15th from 10 AM–3 PM in the Game Room (Library 1s...
06/11/2026

Level up your skills with the Drake State Esports Club! 🎮 Join us June 15th from 10 AM–3 PM in the Game Room (Library 1st Floor) to compete, connect, and play your favorite games. Scan the QR code or email for more info!

We partnered with Huntsville Utilities to launch our inaugural Underground Utilities Course, and today our graduates pro...
06/11/2026

We partnered with Huntsville Utilities to launch our inaugural Underground Utilities Course, and today our graduates proved they’re ready to get to work!

Students spent three weeks earning hands-on, industry-recognized certification in underground water and gas operations. Today, they showed off those skills operating heavy equipment at our very own “Dig the Line” event.

As Huntsville grows, so do we, and programs like this are how we make sure our community has the skilled workforce to meet the moment.

🔧 Interested in workforce training at Drake State? Visit drakestate.edu

⚠️ Planning a digging project this summer? Call 811 or visit al811.com before you dig, it’s free!

We loved welcoming Huntsville Learning Center campers to Drake State Community & Technical College. We hope they left fe...
06/10/2026

We loved welcoming Huntsville Learning Center campers to Drake State Community & Technical College.

We hope they left feeling inspired, because their journey is just begining! The world is at their feet!

Thank you for having us on to talk about Jazz in the City!
06/10/2026

Thank you for having us on to talk about Jazz in the City!

Bringing the sounds of smooth Jazz to the community,
That's the goal for Drake State's annual event, Jazz in the City! 🎺🪊🎵🎶
Find out when and where you can get in on the experience for yourself soon!

https://tinyurl.com/2uzyha8k

Last Thursday, Drake State had the pleasure of welcoming students from the University of Tennessee Summer STEM Program w...
06/08/2026

Last Thursday, Drake State had the pleasure of welcoming students from the University of Tennessee Summer STEM Program with Tullahoma City Schools. They received a guided tour of our campus and were introduced to all that Drake State has to offer. We were thrilled to have them and hope to see them back on campus again soon!

We’re just 2 weeks away from an unforgettable night at Jazz in the City! Get ready to experience the soulful, immersive ...
06/05/2026

We’re just 2 weeks away from an unforgettable night at Jazz in the City! Get ready to experience the soulful, immersive sound of 2026 headliner AJ Ghent and his signature “Singing Guitar.”

Viral sensation AJ Ghent is a singer, songwriter, and sonic innovator known for his signature “Singing Guitar,” blending soulful melodies and rhythmic expression into deeply emotional, immersive performances. With millions of views on TikTok and Instagram and recognition from major platforms like Starbucks and Spotify, his music offers a powerful, healing experience that audiences describe as both spiritual and transformative.

Join us Friday, June 19 at the Von Braun Center Mars City Music Hall for a night of music that moves you! ✨

Address

3421 Meridian Street N
Huntsville, AL
35811

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+12565398161

Website

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