Birmingham Promise Adds $8 Million In Donations

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Birmingham Promise, a fund to support college scholarships for Birmingham City Schools graduates, recently received $8 million in corporate gifts.

The gifts include the largest private donation to Birmingham Promise to date: a $5 million commitment from Vulcan Value Partners, an investment management firm located in Birmingham. Additional commitments of $1 million each came from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and Protective Life Corporation (Protective). Alabama Power has committed $1 million for the second consecutive year.

“These investments represent a commitment not only to the students who benefit directly from Birmingham Promise but to the future of our city,” Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “Birmingham Promise is laying a foundation that will create economic opportunity and prosperity here for generations to come.”

Birmingham Promise provides tuition assistance for graduates of Birmingham City Schools who attend in-state public colleges and universities, as well as success coaches who continue to support the students during their college journey. Birmingham Promise also provides paid apprenticeships that allow Birmingham high school juniors and seniors to gain work experience.

“As long-term investors, we look for leadership and vision, both of which Mayor Woodfin has delivered with Birmingham Promise,” said C.T. Fitzpatrick, the founder, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of Vulcan Value Partners. “By committing to Birmingham Promise, we are investing in our future – our young people – knowing that what we are doing today will pay dividends in the future.”

Students who have benefited from the program expressed thanks Tuesday to corporate donors as well as the city of Birmingham, which has committed $10 million over five years to the program.

“I want to thank Mayor Woodfin, the Birmingham City Council, and the other individuals and companies that are providing these opportunities to me and other students in Birmingham City Schools,” said Justin Williams, a Parker High School graduate and current University of Alabama computer engineering student. “By investing in Birmingham Promise, they are helping to open doors for all of us and hopefully getting us in a position one day to provide the same kind of leg-up for students in the future.”

To date, Birmingham Promise has also partnered with businesses to offer 150 paid apprenticeships to juniors and seniors in Birmingham City Schools. Birmingham Promise in its first year supported 396 students, 293 of whom had a financial gap related to tuition and received direct financial assistance totaling almost $1.5 million. All students received supportive services through Birmingham Promise success coaches and staff.

Among the Class of 2021, 618 students have completed the application and are on track to provide all required documentation by June 1.

“This week, hundreds of scholars will graduate from Birmingham City Schools. While we are excited about their accomplishments, we are even more excited about what they will do in the future,” Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, said. “Many of our scholars will pursue university and community college degrees with financial support from Birmingham Promise. This announcement of additional contributions today is a huge investment in our business and civic leaders of tomorrow. Thank you.”