Randall Woodfin Introduces ‘The Birmingham Promise,’ Pledging Free College for Area Students
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced in a press conference on May 25 that he has plans for an $8 million investment called the "Birmingham Promise."
This will allow all students that graduate from Birmingham high schools to attend in-state, public universities tuition-free. According to the website’s homepage, “We make college affordable and accessible for the future of our city – our students.”
On top of tuition assistance, the Birmingham Promise also provides internship opportunities with local businesses.
“Together, we’re breaking barriers for a better future," the website read. "For all of us. And that’s a promise.”
Scholarships can be applied for online. So far, more than 600 students from the class of 2021 have applied and are set to receive full tuition assistance.
To receive tuition assistance, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. They must be enrolled in a Birmingham City School as of Sep. 30, 2020, and graduate from a participating high school during the 2020-2021 school year. They must also make all deadlines required by the Birmingham Promise.
Participating students must attend college the fall semester after graduation. Students must stay enrolled during both the fall and spring semesters of their first year. Students cannot skip fall or spring semesters during their four-year eligibility period in order to receive full tuition assistance.
Finally, applicants must meet all admission requirements for the college they want to attend.
Mayor Woodfin is Birmingham’s 30th mayor and, according to his website, “…had been committed to the idea that [he] wanted to serve Birmingham in the most meaningful way possible.”
To apply for tuition assistance from the Birmingham Promise, start your application here.
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