Birmingham Promise Annual Report 2023

2023 2023 Annual Report

University of Alabama Graduates Its
 First Birmingham Promise Scholar........................................

Jacksonville State Graduates Its First
 Birmingham Promise Scholar.................................................. Work-Based Learning Highlights............................................

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear friend ,

I am entering 2024 full of gratitude for the phenomenal team at Birmingham Promi e. A lot of what we’ve done thi year i unglamorou – trengthening our data y tem , treamlining our application and other proce e , and building our internal culture and way of working. Thi i the nece ary tuff that enable u to deliver on our ambitiou mi ion. On top of all of that, though, we have been la er-focu ed on our number one mea ure of ucce : better option and outcome for young people.

Our cholar hip and work-ba ed learning team pent the better part of 2023 on the road, vi iting tudent at all Birmingham ity high chool and at a dozen college and univer itie around the tate. From Mobile to Hunt ville, Birmingham tudent were upported by the hardworking ucce coache on our cholar hip team, which i our ecret weapon again t college attrition. Here in Birmingham, our two new high chool ucce coache and our work-ba ed learning coach have been building relation hip with teacher , coun elor , and admini trator acro all B S high chool to help tudent better prepare for college and career. I am deeply thankful for the hard work of our coache , without whom our program would not exi t or achieve nearly a fraction of what we do.

The past year was one of big bets. In 2023, we to provide advi ement and guidance in all even high chool by

Launched year-round internship options

introducing a fall intern hip program for the fir t time Introduced high school success coaches

Piloted an apprenticeship exploration program

Hosted our first ever college and career fair to introduce tudent to the concept of and opportunitie within youth apprentice hip for over 400 B S junior and eniors

Looking ahead to 2024, I’m excited about celebrating our fir t five year (look out for anniver ary activitie in Augu t!) and building out our trategic vi ion for the next five year . By 2030, what do we want to be true, and how will we get there? I am driven by our vi ion tatement, which tre e that economic pro perity i the right of every Birmingham ity School tudent.

What more can we do to upport our cholar to achieve their dream and ecure economic freedom? How do we upport the many young people who graduate high chool without a plan that will lead to long-term economic mobility? What contract do we need to build with the city–bu ine , familie , government, civic organization , chool –to en ure that we all row together to create vibrant opportunitie for all of our young people?

The e que tion keep me awake and give me focu a we look ahead at 2024 and beyond. We have a lot of work to do, but it i all po ible if we do it in community with each other.

Warme t,

Samantha William , Executive Di ecto

Our mission is to support and prepare every Birmingham City School student to achieve economic security, mobility, and prosperity. We do this by providing high-quality work apprenticeships. We also reduce the cost of postsecondary education for students from all academic backgrounds. We operate with a relentless student-centric and assetbased approach to ensure that all of Birmingham’s talent

We envision a world in which every Birmingham City School student is supported and prepared to pursue a postsecondary option that will lead to economic security,

Birmingham Promise was created to ensure that every graduate of Birmingham City Schools has a pathway to college and career success. Though now an independent 501(c)(3) organization, Birmingham Promise was launched in 2019 as a pilot program by the City of Birmingham

Scholarship Program

The Birmingham Promise scholarship program witnessed a record-breaking application year in 2023. This marks a significant milestone in the program's evolution, underscoring our enthusiasm for its ongoing expansion.

Student Success Coach Spotlight

At Birmingham Promise, our commitment to student assistance is holistic, encompassing a year-round focus on the academic, mental, physical, familial, and financial well-being of our students.

In the last academic year alone, our student success coaches have exemplified this commitment by completing

over 975 touch points with students

These touch points are not just routine meetings; they represent a multitude of benefits including academic, career, and financial support, showcasing the breadth and depth of our engagement. Key areas of our engagement include:

Academic Support

We review courses throughout the semester, pay special attention during midterm and final exam periods, and assist in course registration and degree readiness. We also help students in aligning their interests and strengths with appropriate major and career field selections.

Career Support

We assist in securing internships, jobs, and postgraduate opportunities, and provide support in resume writing and mock interviews, along with offering letters of recommendation. Additionally, we provide Mental and Crisis Support by referring students to mental health resources and offering crisis counseling and assistance in securing housing during both academic and non-academic periods.

Financial Support

The Student Support Fund offers a safety net for college students facing a variety of financial emergencies that could derail a student's educational journey. A one-time payment of up to $500, students can get help for unexpected medical expenses, housing and living costs, car repairs or transportation issues, academic materials and technology, income loss from part-time job disruptions, emergency travel costs due to family emergencies, situations of food insecurity, and unforeseen events like natural disasters.

University of Alabama Graduates Its First Birmingham Promise Scholar

In May 2023, Jermerra Bailey became the second Birmingham Promise scholar to earn a bachelor’s degree and the first to graduate from the University of Alabama.

Jermerra graduated magna cum laude with a degree in public health with a concentration in health professions. She started graduate school this fall at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with plans to become an occupational health and safety specialist.

For Jermerra, who started college while still a student at Ramsay High School, the question was never whether she’d finish her degree. It was how far away from home and how far in debt she’d have to go.

Birmingham Promise gave her the best answers on both fronts. The scholarship program expanded her options for colleges, while limiting the amount she had to borrow.

“I still had to get loans,” she said. “But without Birmingham Promise, I would have probably gotten larger loans. And I probably wouldn’t have gone to the University of Alabama honestly.”

The tuition assistance from Birmingham Promise gave her the luxury of choosing the college she wanted to attend, rather than one closer to home that would have helped her shave some of the cost.

“I could go to any public college in Alabama without any financial burden or stress,” she said. “It was very helpful.”

First Birmingham Promise Scholar Graduates from Jacksonville State University

On December 15, 2023, Ashia Hudson became the first Birmingham Promise scholar to graduate from Jacksonville State University. She earned her social work degree in just three years, and she is now pursuing a master’s degree in social work, which she expects to complete in December 2024.

In a press release issued by Jacksonville State, Ashia encouraged other students in Birmingham City Schools to take advantage of Birmingham Promise.

“It feels good that I can shed light on a great opportunity for those that are coming after me so that they can take advantage of it and use it to their full potential,” said Ashia, who graduated from Ramsay High School in 2020. “I am happy and excited that I am able to have a positive outcome from accepting and using the scholarship.”

Ashia is among 137 students attending Jacksonville State with assistance from Birmingham Promise totaling $1.1 million, according to JSU.

“Birmingham Promise is such an impactful program because they provide financial support to deserving students who may not have initially been able to access college otherwise,” said Logan DeBoer, JSU’s Associate Director of Scholarships.

“Students like Ashia are great examples of how hard work and opportunity can result in incredible success.”

Work-Based Learning

In 2023, our internship program offered fall and spring placements for the first time. This expansion enabled more students than ever to explore various career opportunities in Birmingham through our network of employer partners and extensive professional development sessions.

In 2024, we are excited to introduce a new Apprenticeship Exploration Program designed to expose students and their families to the opportunities in modern youth apprenticeships.

Industry Fields Represented and Percentage of Employer Partners

Employer Partnership G

Student Professional Development

Amount spent on Professional Development:

$24,000

$2,500

$26,500 total through career life
 on professional headshots

Hours students spent on Professional Development:

2 hours

3 hours

12 hours

17 hours total preparation prior to interviewing
 for orientation prior to the first of internship
 four 3 hour long professional development sessions during the course of the internship

Student Intern Spotlight:

Michael Johnson

As an intern at the Birmingham Zoo, Michael created content for the zoo’s “Takeover Zoosday” every week, where he shared his photography of the animals on the zoo’s social media accounts.

of students reported their Birmingham Promise
 experience as good or great

of employers rated their intern as above average or exemplary in all 7 core competencies

of students reported that
 their internship experience helped them determine their career path

Partner Spotlight: Shipt

As part of its one million dollar investment into The Birmingham Promise, Shipt launched its Magic City Mentorship Program. This program has 14 Birmingham-based Shipt team members each serving as mentors to small cohorts of 11th grade students from Woodlawn High School and Wenonah High School in the Birmingham City school system.

The Shipt team members come from various career backgrounds, including finance, communications, engineering, and all came to their current roles through a variety of traditional and non-traditional career paths.

Through this program, Shipt aims to help prepare students for future successful careers, while bringing awareness to high demand job opportunities in Birmingham. The Magic City Mentorship Program connects to Shipt’s broader commitment to leveling the economic playing field for Black and other underrepresented populations.

“Birmingham Promise provides college and career pathways for students in Birmingham City Schools, and its mission is a great fit for Shipt’s corporate values. We are thrilled to support Birmingham Promise financially and invest in students through our Magic City Mentorship Program. In this partnership with Birmingham Promise, we increase students’ job readiness by pairing them with Shipt team members.” - Khadijah Abdullah

A Night of Promise

The annual event held at the City Club Birmingham was a testament to our commitment to supporting scholars, while simultaneously aiding in the fundraising efforts for City Club Birmingham’s "Employee Relief Fund." Attendees experienced a night of music, networking, and learned about how they could further contribute to the mission of Birmingham Promise.

Throughout the event, Promise guests had the exclusive opportunity to participate in a silent auction, generously sponsored by the City Club Birmingham. The auction featured enticing items such as a One-Year Honorary Membership, Complimentary Dinners, and Brunch Packages, allowing attendees to enjoy the club's fantastic amenities while contributing to a noble cause.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the City Club Birmingham for their gracious support and dedication to our mission. Through their generosity, they helped make the event a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on our efforts to empower scholars and provide essential support to our community.

Thank you to all who participated, whether by purchasing tickets or advocating for corporate sponsorship. Your involvement has played a crucial role in advancing our mission and making a difference in the lives of scholars and employees alike.

Promise Student Highlight

Those attending the Night of Promise fundraiser were inspired by Damiuna Dawson, a graduate of Carver High School who will soon complete her undergraduate degree in social work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The youngest of five children in a single-parent home, Damiuna needed assistance from the community to pay fees even in high school. While she wanted to go to a university – nobody else in her family had – she didn’t know how she’d pay for college.  Birmingham Promise changed that.

With tuition from Birmingham Promise, Damiuna has been able to get through college without taking out any student loans –one of her major goals. While she leaves college debt-free, she said she is deeply indebted to many individuals and organizations that invested in her and in Birmingham Promise.

“I’m truly a village child,” she told guests at Night of Promise, “and you are my village.”

$7,579,809.90 Revenue

$7,059,265.40

Promise Keepers

$1 Million and Above

Alabama Power Foundation City of Birmingham Regions Bank

Our 2023 Supporters

We extend our deepest gratitude to our investors who have joined us in the mission of the Birmingham Promise. Your generous contributions have been instrumental in opening new horizons for young people, providing scholarships for post-secondary education to lessen student loan burdens, and offering paid internships at $15 an hour to Birmingham's youth. Your support is the cornerstone of our achievements.

Promise Champions

$500,000 to $999,999

Alabama Commission on Higher Education Bloomberg Philanthropies

Promise Sustainers

$100,000 to $499.999

Arlington Foundation Birmingham City Schools Blue Cross Blue Shield

EBSCO Industries

Protective Life

Shipt

Promise Partners

$10,000 to $99,999

Brasfield & Gorrie

Coca Cola Bottling Company

Daniel Foundation of Alabama

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Jobs for the Future

Jones Family Fund

New America Foundation (PAYA)

Penny Foundation Rich Bielen

Promise Patrons

$1,000 to $9,999

America's First Federal Credit Union America’s First Bank Balch and Bingham Ben Wallerstein Birmingham Stallions Chris and Mary Boehm City Club Birmingham Fortif Law Partners Hackney Foundation Leroy Abrahams McKinney Capital Milo's Hamburgers Omidyar Group Rosilyn and Ron Houston Rusty and Lia Rushton Southern Research

Emily Schultz

Erika Mixon

Gary Tramontina

Hattie O'Hara Ifediba Law Group Janet King

Johnathan Byrd Judy Hooper Kaye Jackson Keala Odoms Bryant

Kendra Key

Kendra Key

Kimberly Braden Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Leah Davis Maggie Thompson Manisha Mishra Marilyn Williams Mariohn Michel Mark Sullivan

Promise Friends $999 and Below

Aimee Scottland American Online Giving Foundation Andrew Mitchell Angela Abdur Rasheed Blair Bell Britany Finley Carol Robinson Charles Perry Corinn O'Brien Courtney Sankey Dee Manyama Direct Communications Doug Taylor Edward Balthrop

Mary Meadows Livingston Mia Toole

Onin Staffing

Prosper Birmingham

Quang Do

Robert Mullins Robin Demonia Ruth Ann Moss Samantha Williams Samuela South

Sara Newell Shay Taylor Sophia Rousseau

Tyler Hooper Virginia Butler Willie Davis Yoruba Butler

2023 Employer Partners

A promise is nothing without its keepers. Many thanks to our Work-Based Learning employers for the countless opportunities they provided for our Promise Students this year.

A. Boswell Media

Alabama Media Group / AL.com Alabama Power Altec

American Pipe & Supply Ball Healthcare

Bama Health Foods Better Basics

Birmingham Business Journal Birmingham City Schools Birmingham Promise Birmingham Public Library Birmingham Talks Birmingham Water Works Board Birmingham Zoo

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Bold as a Lion Studios Bridge & Root Burr Forman Cherry Hill Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Chick-Fil-A Childcare Resources Christ Health

Community Care Development Network Community Kitchens Cooper Green Mercy Health Services EdFarm

Encompass Health The Exceptional Foundation Fleetio

Goodwinn Mills Caywood Hoar Construction Homewood Theatre i3 Academy Jones Valley Teaching Farm Judge Elisabeth French Kassouf & Co Magic City Pest Maynard, Cooper, and Gale Medical Properties Trust Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn O'Neal Steel Oakworth Capital Bank Prosper Protective Life RX Benefits Shipt

Southern Research

The Exceptional Foundation UAB School of Biomedical Engineering UAB Office of the Provost Urban League Woodlawn Foundation

Staff & Board

of Directors

We couldn’t do what we do without a committed team. Here are the people who keep the promise every day to make sure students in Birmingham City Schools have opportunities to fulfill their dreams.

Staff

Derrick Billups, Employer Partnership Manager

Whitney Brantley, Scholarship Program Associate

Jasmine Conner, Lead Student Success Coach

Zara Greene, Apprenticeship Program Manager

Dianna Grey, Community Engagement Specialist

Robert Henderson, Student Success Coach

Tyler Hooper, Director of Development

Jamesia Jackson, Student Success Coach

Shequita Malone, Student Success Coach

Ayla McCay, Student Success Coach

Brittney McClure, Internship Program Manager

Renee Moore, Operations Coordinator

Arnee’ Odoms, Development & Communications Manager

Courtney Sankey, Scholarship Program Director

Aimee Scottland, Director of Operations

Shay Taylor, Director of Human Resources

Lakendra Thomas, Student Success Coach

Mia Toole, Director of Program Operations

Samantha Williams, Executive Director

Board of Directors

Khadijah Abdullah

Leroy Abrahams, Chairman

Josh Carpenter

Will Clark

Cathy Sloss Jones

Danny McKinney

Sara Newell

Mark Sullivan, Ed. D.

Larry Thornton, Sr.

Ralph Williams Mayor Randall Woodfin

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