Birmingham Celebrates Big Milestone with Inspired Students
Hey there, Birmingham! Last Thursday, our city celebrated a fantastic achievement in local education at a College and Career Fair hosted by the Birmingham Promise. With over 1,600 graduates taking part in this life-changing initiative since its inception in 2019, it’s clear that Birmingham is laying down tracks for a brighter future for its students.
A Look Back at the Promise
What is Birmingham Promise, you ask? It’s a program designed to offer paid internships and scholarships to students from Birmingham City Schools, making it easier for them to transition from high school to college and beyond. The program started providing scholarships to cover up to four years of tuition at any in-state public college or university in 2020, and the results have been nothing short of amazing.
In just five short years, over 1,600 local students have found themselves in colleges across Alabama. Of these dedicated individuals, more than 70 have already wrapped up their degrees or earned important career credentials—talk about a success story!
Internships Make All the Difference
And it doesn’t stop there. Over 300 students have participated in paid internships during their final year of high school, gaining hands-on experience and preparing them for life after graduation. Samantha Williams, the executive director of Birmingham Promise, remarked that the program has been pivotal in boosting the number of students who finish their studies. She’s seeing promising signs in terms of improved four-year graduation rates, too.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Numbers are great, but the true heart of Birmingham Promise lies in personal stories. Take Sarah Granderson, for instance. A Birmingham City Schools graduate now in her senior year of college, she faced a setback when she didn’t get accepted to her dream school. But through the support of Birmingham Promise, she was able to pivot her plans and now enjoys a debt-free college education. “Although I did not get into my dream school, I got something much better,” she said proudly during the anniversary celebration.
Community Support Fuels the Program
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “This is not charity. Birmingham Promise has evolved into the largest economic mobility program in the state of Alabama for high school students.” This is quite a badge of honor for our beloved city!
But that’s not all! The program recently received a tremendous boost thanks to an investment from PNC Bank Chairman and CEO Bill Demchak, who donated an impressive $10 million to support Birmingham Promise. Demchak believes in investing in communities and is confident that it will pay off.
Partnerships Make It Happen
Williams credits the program’s success to the many partners supporting this initiative, ranging from small local businesses to big individual donors. “We are providing college and career pathways for Birmingham students,” she said. “And none of it would be possible without the support of many partners.” Community members are really stepping up!
The Future Awaits
The achievements celebrated at the fair are just the beginning. With Birmingham Promise making such strides, there’s an exciting future ahead for our city’s youth. As we look forward, it’s inspiring to think of all the students who are about to set off on their own journeys, equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
So here’s to Birmingham Promise, its supporters, and all the students making their dreams come true! Let’s keep cheering them on because together, we’re building a brighter future for everyone.
