Birmingham, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham Promise has successfully secured a $112,500 grant from the KPMG U.S. Foundation to enhance student access to education and foster mental well-being. The funding will help provide scholarships to graduates from Birmingham City Schools, ensuring up to four years of tuition coverage at public Alabama colleges. Additionally, the program has already awarded over $15 million in tuition assistance and facilitated internships for over 350 students, contributing significantly to their career development and academic success.
Birmingham Promise Receives $112,500 Grant from KPMG U.S. Foundation
Birmingham has announced that Birmingham Promise has received a significant grant of $112,500 from the KPMG U.S. Foundation. The grant, which will be distributed in installments over three years, aims to boost student access to education while promoting mental well-being and vibrant communities. This funding is part of KPMG’s initiative to support organizations that foster healthier communities through education across the nation.
The grant will directly contribute to providing scholarships for students from Birmingham City Schools. The Birmingham Promise program covers up to four years of tuition at public Alabama colleges and universities for graduates from these schools. To date, the program has awarded more than $15 million in tuition assistance to over 1,600 graduates.
Internship Opportunities and Community Impact
In addition to scholarships, Birmingham Promise has also provided internships to more than 350 Birmingham City Schools seniors, helping them develop essential job skills and career connections. Such opportunities have a profound impact on local students’ educational and professional prospects, as highlighted by the managing partner of KPMG Birmingham office.
KPMG’s recent funding comes as part of a broader effort pledged to distribute over $2 million this summer to various organizations focused on improving educational access and community health.
Scholarship Details and Eligibility
The scholarships offered by Birmingham Promise are designed as last-dollar assistance, covering any remaining tuition costs after other financial aid has been applied. Students from Birmingham City Schools face a May 1 deadline to apply for these scholarships. Notably, there are no specific grade requirements for eligibility; any accepted student can apply. Furthermore, students can use the scholarship for two-year community college degrees or shorter certificate programs.
Since its establishment in 2019, Birmingham Promise has been on a mission to assist students in achieving success after high school through various support mechanisms, including success coaches. Currently, over 90% of the students enrolled in the program identify as Black. This reflects the program’s commitment to overcoming barriers to education and supporting the academic pursuits of historically underserved populations.
Retention Rate and Community Support
Birmingham Promise has shown promising results, achieving a 72% first-to-second year college retention rate among students. This underscores the effectiveness of the program in fostering educational continuity and helping students transition successfully into higher education. The program operates through a combination of public-private partnerships, including substantial contributions from local companies and organizations.
Overall, Birmingham Promise is closely aligned with the vision of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, who emphasizes the importance of educational investment in fostering a solid financial future for the city’s youth.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $112,500 from KPMG U.S. Foundation |
| Scholarship Coverage | Up to 4 years tuition at public Alabama colleges |
| Total Scholarships Awarded | More than $15 million to over 1,600 graduates |
| Internships Provided | More than 350 students |
| Application Deadline | May 1 for Birmingham City Schools students |
| First-Year Retention Rate | 72% |
| Percentage of Black Students | Over 90% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount of the grant received by Birmingham Promise?
Birmingham Promise has received a grant of $112,500 from the KPMG U.S. Foundation.
What does the Birmingham Promise scholarship cover?
The Birmingham Promise program covers up to four years of tuition at public Alabama colleges and universities for graduates of Birmingham City Schools.
What is the deadline for Birmingham City Schools students to apply for the scholarships?
Birmingham City Schools students face a May 1 deadline to apply for scholarships.
What percentage of Birmingham Promise students are Black?
The majority of Birmingham Promise students (over 90%) are Black.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham City Schools Launch Cash Incentive Program to Tackle Absenteeism
Birmingham Prepares for Historic Mayoral Election
Chicken Guy! Restaurant Opens in Gardendale
New Flavors and Developments in Birmingham This September
KPMG Grants $112,500 to Birmingham Promise for Education
Birmingham Mayor Grants Pardon to Duane Flowers
Trump Administration Opens Camp 57 Detention Facility
California’s Economy Depends Heavily on Immigrant Labor
SSA Chief Data Officer Resigns Amid Data Security Concerns
Birmingham Welcomes a Wave of New Businesses
Additional Resources
- ABC 33/40 News
- Wikipedia: Birmingham Promise
- Alabama Political Reporter
- Google Search: Birmingham Promise Scholarship
- CBS 42 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
- Birmingham Times
- 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.


