Alabama Power Foundation, the Altec/Styslinger Foundation and Regions Bank are each pledging $1 million to the Birmingham Promise, Mayor Randall Woodfin’s apprenticeship and scholarship program for Birmingham City Schools students.

The collective commitment between the three groups totals $3 million.

The Birmingham Promise provides Birmingham students with apprenticeship opportunities with local businesses and scholarships for in-state colleges and universities.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed," Woodfin said. “I’m very grateful to the Alabama Power Foundation, Altec/Styslinger Foundation, Regions and our business community and academic partners for helping us put people first. The steps we take today are the building blocks for Birmingham’s future workforce.”

In addition to the financial commitment, Styslinger, Turner and Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite are serving as fundraising co-chairs for the Birmingham Promise.

Birmingham Economic Development Director Josh Carpenter said this announcement marks the beginning of the public fundraising campaign for the Birmingham Promise. The ultimate goal, he said, is to raise $35 million.

“The Birmingham Promise is an important investment in the future of our workforce and the growth of our economy,” said Tony Smoke, vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division. “I encourage others in Birmingham’s business community to get involved in this initiative and help elevate our students and our community.”

“Through Birmingham Promise, educators, city leaders and the business community stand united around a tremendous opportunity to help more students succeed,” said John Turner, president and CEO of Regions. “New investments are being made in today’s youth--investments that will benefit students, employers and our entire community for years to come.”

$3 million for college tuition reimbursement.



Thank you Regions.

Thank you Alabama Power Foundation.

Thank you Altec\Styslinger Foundation.



We no longer want the limitless potential of Birmingham City School students to be handcuffed by circumstances. #BirminghamPromise https://t.co/QZGuqvhL7W — Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) February 25, 2020

“The Birmingham Promise is critically important to workforce development in our region,” said Lee Styslinger III, chairman and CEO of Altec Inc. “Altec joins the city, our educators, and business community in taking the next step to support building a better Birmingham through a commitment to our students.”

During the press conference, Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Lisa Herring reminded students that the deadline to apply for the FAFSA is March 1. All students who want to use Birmingham Promise scholarship funds must submit a FAFSA application.

In the apprenticeship program, students can earn $15 per hour while working part-time at a local business during school hours. The business pays $7.50 per hour and Birmingham Promise Inc. pays $7.50 per hour.

The Birmingham Promise scholarship will pay for students’ remaining tuition balance after other scholarships and grants are awarded. It’s set up so it benefits students who have attended Birmingham City Schools for at least 12 years. This means, if a student attended Birmingham City schools for 12 years, graduates and is accepted into college, has received grants and scholarships, but still has a balance, the Birmingham Promise will pay for the remainder of that student’s tuition.

However, if a student only attended Birmingham City schools for four years, the Promise will only pay 4/12 (one-third) of the remaining balance.

In January, the University of Alabama at Birmingham announced it would partner with the Birmingham Promise by paying half tuition for each promise student who attends the university. The Birmingham Promise will pay the other half of the tuition bill.

Major announcement regarding the Birmingham Promise Major announcement regarding the Birmingham Promise Posted by City of Birmingham Government on Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Editor’s note: Alabama Media Group is participating in the Birmingham Promise apprenticeship program by employing one student apprentice this spring.