Birmingham Receives National Award for Educational Support
Birmingham has been honored with a national award, thanks to Samantha Williams, the executive director, who has pledged $1 million to bolster scholarships and internship programs for students at Birmingham City Schools.
On Thursday, the Café Group revealed that Williams is among five recipients of this year’s 1954 Project Luminary Award, aimed at enhancing educational outcomes in the black community.
“This recognition is a significant honor for Samantha and truly reflects her impressive leadership at Birmingham Promise,” remarked Danny McKinney from the Birmingham Promise board. “We are proud to see this award come our way and extend our thanks to the Café Group for backing the vision of Birmingham Promise.”
The 1954 Project, named after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, serves as the flagship initiative of the CAFE Group, which is dedicated to upholding the U.S.’s commitment to equitable education. Awardees receive $1 million in funding for their programs and join a network of innovators working to transform education nationwide.
“These leaders showcase the diversity of innovation occurring throughout the education sector,” stated Tiffany Thompson, CEO of CAFE Group. “Together, this new class will help build the foundation for real change, bringing us closer to a future where educational opportunities enable all children to thrive.”
Williams expressed her enthusiasm about being selected as one of this year’s awardees, highlighting how this investment will help Birmingham enhance the number of college graduates from its city schools, offering students pathways to good jobs and meaningful careers, while supporting the Birmingham Promise program.
“Being chosen as a Luminary is an incredible honor,” Williams stated. “It demonstrates how impactful our mission and our students’ achievements are, resonating with national donors and organizations. We are thrilled about this partnership and the opportunities it brings.”
Birmingham Promise covers tuition for up to four years at public universities in Alabama for all Birmingham City School alumni. So far, it has provided over $15 million in tuition assistance to more than 1,600 graduates from Birmingham schools and has offered internships to over 350 seniors, equipping them with valuable career skills and networks.
Applications for the Birmingham Promise Scholarship and Spring Internship will open on October 1st for current seniors at Birmingham City Schools.
