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Get the money you need for college.

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This is our promise.

We make tuition affordable and accessible for the future of our city – our students. Birmingham Promise not only offers tuition scholarships for Birmingham City Schools students, but also apprenticeship opportunities at local companies. Together, we’re breaking barriers for a better future. For all of us. And that’s a promise.

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How to Apply

1

Deadline: January 1, 2024 – May 1, 2024 – Important Dates

Required Materials:

Contact information

Contact information comprises details such as phone numbers and addresses that enable communication with a person or organization.

Parent information

Parent information includes data about a student’s parents or guardians, often encompassing their names, contact details, and sometimes their occupations.

Demographics

Demographics encompass information about an individual’s characteristics, such as age, gender, race, and ethnicity.

School information

School information pertains to details regarding the educational institution a student attends, including its name, address, and contact information.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

This is a crucial financial aid application for high school seniors who plan to attend college or a higher education institution. It helps determine eligibility for various types of federal and state financial aid, as well as scholarships and grants offered by colleges and universities.

FASFA Tips & Myths

Explore our insider tips and debunked myths for a stress-free FAFSA application journey! 

2
Complete and submit your FAFSA.

Deadline: December 31, 2023 –  Closing Date Unknown – Important Dates

Required:

3
Attend one Birmingham Promise Orientation.

Deadline: March 5, 2024- April 27, 2024

Required:

Birmingham Promise Orientation

To be eligible for the Birmingham Promise scholarship, attendance at a minimum of one orientation session for both students and parents is mandatory. Please review the listed dates for registration details.

    R

    Tuesday, March 5 - 5pm to 8pm ( up to 150 people)

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    Tuesday, March 12 - 5pm to 8pm (up to 150 people)

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    Tuesday, March 19 - 5pm to 8pm (up to 150 people)

    R

    Tuesday, March 26 - 5pm to 8pm (up to 150 people)

    R

    Tuesday, April 2 - 5pm to 8pm (up to 150 people)

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    Tuesday, April 9 - 5pm to 8pm (up to 150 people)

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    Tuesday, April 16 - 5pm to 8pm (up to 150 people)

    R

    Tuesday, April 23 - 5pm to 8pm (up to 150 people)

    R

    Saturday, April 27 - 11am to 1pm (up to 150 people)

    4
    Make your final college decision and verify all financial aid information.

    Deadline: Varies by your college choice

    Required:

    Selecting the Right School for You

    Selecting the right college is an important decision that can significantly impact your academic and personal growth. Explore our tips for selecting the perfect school for you.

    The Birmingham Promise Scholarship covers the cost of the tuition and required fees after the Pell Grant and all other scholarships. Scholarship Funds are disbursed directly to the institution on the student’s behalf after the institution’s designated course adjustment period.

    Your college journey starts here with the Birmingham Promise.

    Greetings to the Birmingham City School Seniors Class of 2024! Get ready to transform your college dreams into reality with The Birmingham Promise. We’re excited to announce the open enrollment for our “Last Dollar scholarship” program on December 1, 2023, exclusively for you, the proud graduating seniors of Birmingham City Schools.

    Curious about the “Last Dollar scholarship” concept? Let us break it down for you. Think of it as your ultimate college support system. When you’re a part of The Birmingham Promise, those extra fees that aren’t covered by the Pell Grant? They’re on us, no worries!

    What the Birmingham Promise Scholarship covers:
    • General university fees
    • Health insurance fees
    • Athletic fees
    • Recreational fees
    • Technology fees
    • Building fees
    • Student Success Coaching – both individual and group sessions
    • Classes for 8 consecutive semesters (Fall and Spring)
    Let’s talk about what’s not covered :
    • Textbooks
    • Summer classes/terms
    • Non-credit courses
    • Pursuing a second associate degree
    • Certain study abroad experiences
    • Additional costs like housing, transport, food plans, parking, lab fees, and laptops

    Check out our revised list of public colleges and universities that fall under our coverage in Alabama:

    • University of Alabama (UA)
    • Auburn University
    • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
    • University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
    • University of South Alabama (USA)
    • Jacksonville State University
    • Alabama A&M University
    • Troy University
    • University of North Alabama (UNA)
    • Alabama State University (ASU)
    • University of Montevallo
    • Athens State University
    • Alabama Community College System (Multiple campuses)
    • Shelton State Community College
    • Calhoun Community College
    • Gadsden State Community College
    • Snead State Community College
    • Coastal Alabama Community College
    • Jefferson State Community College
    • Lawson State Community College
    • Northwest-Shoals Community College
    • Bevill State Community College

    Student Success Coach Assignments

    Effective August 2023
    *Temporarily assigned

    Lead Student Success Coach

    Jasmine

    Alabama A&M
    University Drake State Community College
    University of North Alabama (UNA)
    Athens University
    University of Alabama in Birmingham*

    Student Success Coach

    Meagan

    University of Alabama in Birmingham

    Student Success Coach

    Rob

    Jacksonville State University
    Troy University
    University of South Alabama (USA)
    Auburn University

    Student Success Coach

    Tre

    Lawson State Community College
    Jefferson State Community College
    Wallace State Community College
    Wallace State Community College -Dothan
    Bevill State Community College
    Gadsden State Community College
    Marion Military Institute
    Snead State Community College
    University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)

    Student Success Coach

    Jamesia

    University of Alabama (UA)
    Shelton State Community College
    University of Montevallo
    University of West Alabama (UWA)

    Student Success Coach

    Lakendra

    Alabama State University (ASU)
    Auburn University-Montgomery

    Student Success Coach

    Shequita

    Parker High School
    Jackson-Olin High School
    Carver High School
    Ramsay High School

    Student Success Coach

    Ayla

    Huffman High School
    Woodlawn High School
    Wenonah High School
    Virtual Academy of Learning

    Important Dates

    December 31, 2023

    FAFSA Application Opens

    January 1, 2024

    Birmingham Promise Scholarship applications open

    May 1, 2024

    FAFSA Priority deadline for Colleges and Universities

    May 1, 2024

    Birmingham Promise Scholarship applications close