Northwest-Shoals Community College is a comprehensive two-year public institution of higher learning providing vocational, technical, academic and lifelong educational opportunities for the northwest Alabama Region. The Shoals Campus was founded in 1966 as Joe Wheeler State Trade School, provided occupational and technical training. The 110-acre Shoals Campus houses academic and applied technology programs. Athletic fields, tennis courts and a fitness center provide opportunities for both intercollegiate and intramural athletics or wellness activities for the student body and community.