Birmingham, AL, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The Birmingham Promise has secured a $1 million grant from CAFE Group to improve educational opportunities for students in Birmingham City Schools. This funding will enhance the program’s mission of providing tuition assistance for graduates. Since its launch, Birmingham Promise has awarded over $15 million to more than 1,600 graduates, also offering internships to boost career skills. The grant supports ongoing efforts to transform educational outcomes in Birmingham’s Black communities.
Birmingham
The Birmingham Promise has been awarded a $1 million grant from the nonprofit CAFE Group to enhance educational opportunities for students in Birmingham City Schools. This significant grant was presented to Birmingham Promise Executive Director Samantha Williams as part of the 1954 Project Luminary Award, which shines a light on leaders who are working to transform educational outcomes in Black communities.
Williams expressed excitement about this partnership, noting that it aligns with the program’s mission and the achievements of its students. The grant will augment the Birmingham Promise, which offers tuition assistance covering up to four years at public colleges and universities in Alabama for all graduates of Birmingham City Schools.
Since its inception, the Birmingham Promise has provided over $15 million in tuition assistance to more than 1,600 graduates. Furthermore, it has supported over 350 high school seniors with internships aimed at skill development and career networking, greatly enhancing their prospects.
The CAFE Group, headquartered in Chicago and formerly known as the Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education, focuses on promoting equitable education across the United States. The Luminary Award winners are granted $1 million in unrestricted funding and access to a network of educational innovators, enhancing their ability to impact their communities positively.
In commenting on the award, Tiffany Thompson, Chief Impact Officer of the CAFE Group, recognized the awarded leaders as role models of innovation in education. Williams indicated that this funding would significantly increase the number of college graduates from Birmingham schools and bolster students’ chances of achieving their career goals.
This recent grant is the second major funding Birmingham Promise has received in a short time, following an earlier $112,500 grant from the KPMG U.S. Foundation. This KPMG grant is to be allocated over three years and aims to support students while promoting vibrant communities. Birmingham Promise also provides last-dollar assistance, meaning it covers tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other financial aid sources.
Importantly, students seeking funding through Birmingham Promise are not limited to pursuing a four-year college degree. The program also offers support for community colleges and certificate programs. To qualify for scholarships, graduating seniors must complete both the Birmingham Promise application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the May 1 deadline. Williams encourages students to apply through Birmingham Promise to keep their educational options open, even if they believe their tuition is already covered.
Key Features of Birmingham Promise
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $1 million from CAFE Group |
| Award Title | 1954 Project Luminary Award |
| Total Tuition Assistance Provided | Over $15 million |
| Students Served | More than 1,600 graduates |
| Internships Provided | Over 350 high school seniors |
| KPMG Grant | $112,500 allocated over three years |
| Application Deadline | May 1st |
FAQ Section
What is the Birmingham Promise?
The Birmingham Promise is a scholarship and internship program for Birmingham school students.
How much grant funding did Birmingham Promise recently receive?
Birmingham Promise received a $1 million grant from the nonprofit CAFE Group.
What is the purpose of the 1954 Project Luminary Award?
The 1954 Project Luminary Award recognizes leaders working to transform educational outcomes in Black communities.
How does the Birmingham Promise assist students?
Birmingham Promise covers tuition for up to four years at public colleges and universities in Alabama for all graduates of Birmingham City Schools.
What is the total amount of tuition assistance provided by Birmingham Promise to date?
To date, Birmingham Promise has provided over $15 million in tuition assistance to more than 1,600 graduates.
What other support does Birmingham Promise offer?
The program has also provided internships to over 350 high school seniors to aid in skill development and career networking.
What must students do to qualify for scholarships?
Graduating seniors must complete both the Birmingham Promise application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the May 1 deadline to qualify for scholarships.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 33/40 News
- Alabama Reporter
- Birmingham Times
- Forbes
- Alabama Daily News
- Wikipedia: Birmingham
- Google Search: Birmingham Promise
- Google Scholar: Birmingham Promise
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham Promise
- Google News: Birmingham Promise
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
