Birmingham Promise Celebrates Five Years of Empowering Students and Transforming Lives

Birmingham Celebrates Five Years of Transforming Lives through Birmingham Promise

Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as the Birmingham Promise program recently celebrated its five-year anniversary! This groundbreaking initiative has been making waves in the community since its launch in 2019, paving the way for countless students to reach for their dreams without the crushing burden of student loans. As the city comes together to applaud this success, it’s clear that Birmingham Promise is not just a *program*; it’s a lifeline that’s opening doors to brighter futures.

A Beacon of Hope for Students

Take the inspiring story of Sarah Granderson, for example. Sarah graduated from Ramsay High School in 2021 and is now in her final year at Jacksonville State University, pursuing a degree in political science and sociology. Thanks to the Birmingham Promise scholarships, Sarah has been able to pursue her education worry-free, without having to take out loans. “It’s a path to economic opportunity that can truly change lives,” she says, reflecting on her journey.

Not only has Sarah benefited from financial support, but she also landed a fabulous internship at Oakworth Capital Bank, where she formed meaningful relationships with mentors who continue to guide her. “To this day, I stay in touch,” she added warmly, showcasing the strong networks that Birmingham Promise fosters.

Marking a Milestone

The anniversary gathering took place recently at the Fennec, where city leaders, employers, and students came together to celebrate the incredible impact of Birmingham Promise. In just five years, the program has provided an astonishing $11 million in college scholarships to over 1,636 graduates from Birmingham City Schools. Additionally, it has facilitated paid internships for more than 300 high school students!

Investing in the Future

Speaking at the event, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin emphasized that Birmingham Promise goes beyond mere charity; it’s an investment in the future. “Birmingham Promise, it turns out five years later, is not just the largest economic mobility program in Birmingham; it’s the largest in the whole state of Alabama for high school students!” he proudly announced.

The significance of this anniversary was further underscored by a groundbreaking announcement from PNC, which recently donated an eye-popping $10 million to the Birmingham Promise over the next decade. This remarkable contribution marks the largest private donation in the organization’s history. PNC’s chairman and CEO, Bill Demchak, pointed to the promising return on investment, stating, “When our communities thrive, we thrive.”

Breaking Barriers

Birmingham Promise Executive Director Samantha Williams highlights the importance of the program for students of color, many of whom come from families with low incomes. These students often face barriers that can make pursuing higher education feel like an uphill battle. “They are surmountable,” she reassures, emphasizing that help is essential in overcoming these challenges.

Success Stories Abound

Another success story comes from Carver alum Damiuna Dawson, who graduated debt-free from UAB and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Alabama A&M. Damiuna’s academic achievements have transformed not just her life but also inspired her family to pursue further education! Talk about a ripple effect!

Generational Impact

During the event, Leroy Abrahams, a key supporter and Regions executive, spoke passionately about the generational impact Birmingham Promise is making. “It’s so powerful to think of what comes from this,” he expressed, recalling his journey as the first person in his family to earn a four-year degree. He encouraged everyone to keep investing in the program, reminding all present that “the cost of ignorance is a lot higher than the price of an education.”

Your Support Matters

The Birmingham community has seen firsthand how Birmingham Promise changes lives. The statistics speak for themselves: the percentage of freshmen returning for their sophomore year has increased from 66% in 2021 to 74% in 2023! It’s proof that this initiative is making a real difference.

As the city rolls into the next chapter, the promise of change is more evident than ever. Interested in learning more? Check out Birmingham Promise and see how you can get involved!