Alabama’s First Black Woman-Owned Tech College is Getting Ready to Welcome Its First Students.

Shakea Miller has made history by opening 1 on 1 Technical and Theological College, becoming the first Black woman to launch a degree-granting technical college in Alabama.

Shakea Miller is the first Black woman to found a degree-granting technical college in Alabama. Her goal is to diversify education and expand opportunities across the state.

Miller’s 1 on 1 Technical and Theological College opened on June 24 in Phenix City, offering certificate programs in various fields. “1 on 1 Technical & Theological College (1 on 1 T&T) is dedicated to offering biblical and well-rounded education, focusing on empowering all students while addressing the educational disparities faced by African American communities,” Miller shared with BlackNews.com. The school’s mission is to ensure equitable education for everyone, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

“I am truly honored to open this institution, which serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and determination of those who have fought for equal educational rights,” Miller said. “This college is not just an academic institution; it is a platform for transformation, providing the tools and knowledge needed to uplift our communities.”

Miller is the sixth Black woman to establish a technical college, and her accomplishment in Alabama is particularly significant. According to AL.com, 6 out of 10 students in the state’s high-poverty schools are Black.

This disparity in education quality jeopardizes the academic potential of Black students, but 1 on 1 Technical College aims to dismantle these systemic barriers.

“Through this college, I hope to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators who will continue the journey toward progress and equality,” Miller said. “…We are dedicated to creating an environment that not only educates but also empowers students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.”