Promising News
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Read about how we’re building a better
future–for all of us.
PNC Foundation provides $10 million grant to Birmingham Promise for scholarship program, student success coaching
Birmingham Promise is so grateful to PNC Foundation! Its $10 million grant, announced today, is the largest private donation in our history.
Birmingham Promise student to be family’s first four-year college graduate – and without going in debt
Carver High School graduate Damiuna Dawson will soon become the first in her family to graduate from a four-year university. And she will graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham entirely debt-free, thanks to Birmingham Promise.
Woodlawn United fosters a ‘reciprocal relationship’ with Birmingham Promise interns
Woodlawn United plays a central role in spearheading the revitalization of Woodlawn. For the past two years, the nonprofit has pursued its mission with the help of interns from Birmingham Promise.
Birmingham mayor highlights Birmingham Promise at SXSW EDU conference
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and AL.com’s Trisha Powell Crain took to the national stage this week to highlight the impact of Birmingham Promise. Samantha Williams, executive director of Birmingham Promise, was on hand for their presentation at Austin’s SXSW EDU conference.
Birmingham Promise internship program receives state’s Seal of Excellence Award
Birmingham Promise is one of four organizations to win this year’s Work-Based Learning Seal of Excellence Award from the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. The office cited Birmingham Promise’s dedication and innovative approach that breaks barriers and opens doors.
Birmingham Water Works highlights its experiences with Birmingham Promise interns
The Birmingham Water Works recently shared its experiences working with interns from Birmingham Promise. Thank you, Birmingham Water Works, for investing in the lives of Birmingham’s young people and helping to build the city’s workforce!
Birmingham Promise opens door for Parker graduate to launch skilled trade career
LaDarius Smaw did not have a plan for the future as a student at Parker High School. But when he heard about Birmingham Promise, he started thinking about his options, applied for a scholarship, and set out on a path toward a promising career.
Birmingham Promise named finalist in Birmingham Business Journal’s 2024 Nonprofit Awards
Birmingham Promise is honored to be included among the finalists for the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2024 nonprofit awards. It’s an honor to be recognized and to be included in this group!
Jacksonville State graduates its first Birmingham Promise scholar
Jacksonville State University highlighted the graduation of its first Birmingham Promise scholar this month. Ashia Hudson got a degree in social work. Congratulations, Ashia!
Balch & Bingham, McKinney Capital lead the way on Birmingham Promise fundraiser
“Night of Promise” was a great success. Birmingham Promise is indebted to the presenting sponsors, Balch & Bingham and McKinney Capital, for supporting students in Birmingham City Schools and investing in the future of our city.
A day in the life of an entrepreneur
On the road to success, Mr. Corey Bishop didn’t do everything by himself. He had the help of a mentor who guided and motivated him. I now know that everyone needs to shadow after someone and have others help them along the way, because learning from others will take us a long way.
Congratulations to Jamarean Heard on publishing his first article as an AL.com intern!
Jamarean Heard is a Birmingham Promise intern getting journalism experience this semester at AL.com. Read his first story!
Recent graduate: Birmingham Promise internship changed my life
Prosper has dramatically shaped my life, and I am forever grateful to the Birmingham Promise for giving me this opportunity. If ever allowed to work with the Birmingham Promise or Prosper, I highly encourage anyone to do so, as it will benefit your life for the better.
Ramsay High School alum graduates from University of Alabama with help from Birmingham Promise
For Jermerra Bailey, the question was how far away from home and how far in debt she’d go to get a college degree. Birmingham Promise helped on both fronts. The scholarship program expanded her options for colleges, while limiting the amount she had to borrow.
Birmingham Promise to expand work-based learning programs with new funding from Birmingham City Schools
New funding will allow Birmingham Promise to quadruple the number of high-school seniors placed in internships and help sophomores and juniors participate in shorter-term “shadowing” opportunities in the workplace.
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The pandemic class of 2023: How Birmingham students, staff ‘weathered the storm’
High school taught Markelle Scott perseverance. This year’s valedictorian at Huffman High School was part of a graduating class who were freshmen when the pandemic hit in 2020.