Birmingham’s Maranathan Academy: A Safe Haven for At-Risk Youth
Birmingham, AL—In 1991, Donna Dukes opened Maranathan Academy with a vision: to provide support and education for at-risk youth in the community. Today, the nonprofit alternative school continues to serve students from sixth grade to adulthood who often face challenges such as poverty, violence, and trauma.
A Humble Beginning
Dukes started Maranathan with just one student, one table, and four chairs in her grandparents’ small house in Kingston. Her journey began while volunteering at the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center, where she encountered young people facing tough circumstances. “It only took three days to meet the most amazing kids, who had done not so amazing things,” Dukes reflected.
Now located in a multi-use office building, Maranathan Academy has graduated over 400 students in its more than three decades of service. Each year, the school has a small class size, with a maximum of five students per grade level, allowing for personalized attention.
Addressing Critical Needs
Many students come to Maranathan seeking not just education but safety and support. Dukes highlighted that many students arrive showing signs of PTSD, stemming from the violence prevalent in their neighborhoods. In light of the rising violence across Birmingham, including a recent mass shooting, the need for alternative educational spaces is more pressing than ever. “So many of our kids come to us exhibiting signs of PTSD because of the crime in their neighborhoods,” Dukes explained.
A Dedicated Team
The school operates with a budget of approximately $10,000 per student annually. This includes textbooks, uniforms, food, and necessary personal hygiene products. Most students receive scholarships to attend Maranathan, supported by community donors. Dukes dreams of moving to a free-standing building to provide even more resources and space for students.
The school boasts an impressive graduation rate of 85%, comparable to the state’s average of 88%, according to Alabama Department of Education reports. The academy also collaborates with local educational and law enforcement agencies to expand its outreach.
Transformative Experiences
One notable success story is that of Devin Bridges, who entered Maranathan as a ninth grader struggling with health issues. “It was just like a family,” Bridges said of his time at the academy. He graduated this spring as valedictorian and recently recited his poem about unity at a fundraising event.
Another alumnus, Robyn Levert, sought refuge at Maranathan after enduring bullying at her previous school. Now pursuing a nursing career, she praised the support she received from her teachers, stating, “Maranathan set us up for success.”
Ladazia Brown, another former student, transitioned to Maranathan seeking a better learning environment at 16. She now works as a kindergarten aide in San Diego and credits Dukes’ encouragement for her academic achievements. “Maranathan was life-changing,” she said.
Beyond Academics
In addition to helping high school students, Maranathan Academy offers a diploma completion program for adults at its Campus of Hope location in Gate City, serving many single mothers and others who may feel overlooked by traditional educational institutions. Dukes emphasized the reality that some of these adults, who include a 95-year-old graduate, simply craved a second chance.
“The primary goal of Maranathan Academy is to break cycles of dependency,” Dukes stated, as she highlighted the various careers graduates have pursued, from military service to becoming teachers and business owners.
Looking Ahead
As Birmingham grapples with the challenges of violence and socioeconomic hardship, the work of Maranathan Academy remains vital. With a focus on ensuring youth have access to opportunities and a supportive environment, Dukes and her team continue to inspire change and transformation in the lives of many students in the community.
