On 20 de mayo de 2025, 32 students from Southwire’s 12 for Life program in Florence, Ala., celebrated their high school graduation and completion of the program. The commencement ceremony, marking the program’s 15th year in Florence, was attended by officials from both Florence City Schools and Northwest Shoals Community College, students’ loved ones and Southwire leaders.

12 for Life is a collaborative partnership between Southwire and local school systems in Carrollton, Ga., and Florence, Ala. The initiative offers classroom instruction, on-the-job training, essential work and life skills, mentoring and employment opportunities. 

Founded in 2007 and expanded to Florence in 2009, the goal of 12 for Life is for all participants to complete the program and graduate high school with a clear path towards employment, higher education or military enlistment. To date, more than 2,500 students have graduated from 12 for Life. Fourteen graduates from the Florence class of 2025 are continuing their employment with Southwire.

“Partnering with Southwire to enter into this program is one of the best decisions that Florence City Schools has made,” said Dr. Corey Behel, director of business partnerships for Florence High School. “We have a phenomenal team at Southwire where everybody plays a role. We focus on potential more than limitations, helping us make a great system. I am so grateful that we made the call 15 years ago to be a part of this program.”

Four graduates were awarded the Southwire SkillPointe Scholarship at the ceremony, each valued at $10,000. Now in its second year, this scholarship program is the result of the ongoing partnership between Southwire and the SkillPointe Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to innovative scholarship solutions. To be eligible for the award, students must be on track to graduate high school and have plans to enroll in a higher (secondary) education program, community college, technical school or vocational program within one year of graduating. 

"This is not just a job – it's an opportunity,” said Marcus Johnson, value stream manager at 12 for Life Florence, in an address to the graduates. “That’s what we want to create for you: an opportunity to be whatever you want to be. Seize this opportunity when it presents itself, and when challenges arise, remember the support system in this room.”

This year’s commencement featured keynote address from Jaylen Smith, mayor of Earle, Ark. Smith, who is recognized as the youngest African American mayor in the United States, reminded graduates of the importance of dreams, passions and making a difference in their community.
 

“The question isn’t ‘What will I be known for?’” said Smith. “The question is ‘What will I make possible for others?’ The world isn’t just waiting for you; it’s waiting for your impact.”

The Florence commencement is the second of two annual graduation ceremonies for 12 for Life. An additional 45 graduates were recognized in the Carrollton, Ga. ceremony earlier this month. 

Para obtener más información sobre 12 for Life, haga clic aquí. Para obtener más noticias sobre Southwire, visite www.southwire.com/newsroom.