Data center company to fund $10,000 scholarships for Bessemer students
QTS, a data center developer, is funding a $10,000 scholarship program for Bessemer City High School graduates from 2027-2030, tied to a proposed $14.5 billion hyperscale data center project in the area. The announcement, made by Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley, comes amidst opposition from advocacy groups, including the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, who cite environmental concerns and call for the project's rejection.
QTS, a Virginia-based data center operator, is funding the "Bessemer Built" scholarship, committing $8 million to provide at least $10,000 in tuition assistance to every Bessemer City High School graduate between 2027 and 2030. Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley announced the program, which aims to expand educational and workforce opportunities for students, with Miles College, Lawson State Community College, and Stillman College participating.
The scholarship is linked to QTS's proposed $14.5 billion hyperscale data center in Bessemer, which is currently in development. Kimberly Hines, QTS's vice president of philanthropy, stated the company's commitment to being a long-term partner in the community, with the scholarship being one of many planned investments.
However, the data center project has met with community opposition. Several advocacy groups, including the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, have called on Bessemer City to reject the development, citing environmental concerns.