Local businesses and area schools will have a chance to strengthen their partnerships at an annual event later this month. The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama will host the Adopt-A-School Kickoff at the Bryant Conference Center next Thursday, July 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. "The relationships formed through Adopt-A-School continue to make a lasting difference for students, educators, and our community," said Carolyn Tubbs, the Chamber's Director of Education Programs. Founded in 1985, the Adopt-A-School program has connected West Alabama schools with business and community partners for four decades, providing students with real-world experiences, mentorship and support. For more exclusive coverage of education and community news in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.