Birmingham Secures $150,000 Grant to Enhance Workforce Development Through STRIVE Program

Birmingham Receives $150,000 Grant to Boost Workforce Development

Birmingham, AL—The city celebrated a significant step forward in education and workforce development with the announcement of a $150,000 grant from the Regions Foundation to support STRIVE Birmingham, an organization dedicated to empowering adults through job training and essential life skills. The grant was presented during one of STRIVE’s inaugural graduation ceremonies for participants who have successfully completed the program.

A Unique Approach to Workforce Development

Launched in 2023, STRIVE Birmingham adopts a well-recognized national model that focuses not only on job training but also on wraparound services designed to equip adult students for both the workforce and their personal lives. This includes an emphasis on mindset, accountability, personal responsibility, and workplace ethics, alongside traditional occupational skills training.

Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation, highlighted how STRIVE’s approach is structured to enhance not only skills but also hope and opportunity among participants. “Their combination of mindset and skills training provides the best chance of success,” Self stated. “This program is about building hope and a brighter future, so more people can truly prosper and succeed here in our hometown.”

Impact on the Community

The grant presented by the Regions Foundation is seen as a critical investment in the community. Quiwintre Frye, Executive Director of STRIVE Birmingham, expressed gratitude for the support. “This funding comes at a critical time as STRIVE is growing and expanding to more communities experiencing disparities in access to opportunity,” Frye said. He noted that too many families are facing barriers to financial mobility, and STRIVE aims to create pathways to stable employment and a hopeful future.

Real Stories of Success

One graduate, LaShundra Ravizee, shared her positive experience as a participant in STRIVE’s program. She emphasized that the comprehensive training she received in Healthcare & Office Operations provided her with essential skills. “I gained organization, communication, and office management skills but also a sense of confidence in my professional capabilities,” Ravizee said. Her training ultimately positioned her to secure a role as a certified administrative assistant at a local hospital.

Ravizee credited both the STRIVE staff and her peers for their invaluable support throughout her journey. “The relationships I built with the STRIVE staff, who went above and beyond in guiding me, and my peers, who provided mutual support, played a pivotal role in my success,” she added. The strong sense of community within the program is seen as a vital component of the learning experience.

The Future of STRIVE Birmingham

The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit organization that receives funding primarily from Regions Bank, with a mission to support education, workforce development, and overall community wellness. Their commitment to programs like STRIVE Birmingham aligns with their broader goal of enhancing the quality of life across communities served by Regions Bank.

Self further emphasized the importance of STRIVE’s alignment with current employment demands, noting the program fosters continued success even after graduation. “STRIVE is in tune with the employment opportunities that are in demand today – and their lifetime graduate support fosters continued success into the future,” she said.

Looking ahead, STRIVE Birmingham’s next training program is set to commence on September 23. The focus will again be on healthcare and office operations jobs, and individuals interested in applying can find more information on STRIVE’s website.

With the backing of the Regions Foundation and the growing support of the community, STRIVE Birmingham is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of many individuals seeking better employment opportunities and a brighter future.