PNC to invest $10M over the next decade toward Birmingham students

Birmingham Promise, the Magic City’s innovative college scholarship and high school internship program received a $10 million grant from the PNC Foundation.

Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the grant this week at a news conference surrounded by PNC officials, Birmingham Promise staff and Birmingham students.

What is Birmingham Promise

Launched in 2019, Birmingham Promise provides up to four years of tuition assistance for graduates of Birmingham City Schools who attend public colleges and universities in Alabama.  It also manages a paid internship program for high school seniors.

PNC Foundation’s commitment to Birmingham Promise

“This is an enormous day for Birmingham Promise. It is uncommon for an organization to receive an investment that will last for a decade. This grant will support students to go to college who today are in second grade. That is extraordinary. This is going to change the game for Birmingham Promise.” 

~ Samantha Williams, Birmingham Promise Executive Director told the media at the news conference announcing the grant

The PNC Foundation grant will help Birmingham Promise do the following:

• Sustain scholarships and the program’s success coaches, who work with students throughout their college years to overcome challenges and make the most of their postsecondary education.
• Expand the outreach and counseling it provides high-school students about their college and career plans, connecting them with the programs that best serve their needs.
• Launch an outreach program for middle-schoolers to make sure they are on the best path for college success before entering high school.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, whose administration established  Birmingham Promise, praised PNC Bank and their Foundation at the gathering.

“PNC’s willingness to invest in Birmingham Promise speaks volumes about the kind of company they are and the type of community partner they are. It speaks to their values. It speaks to their priorities. And it speaks to their quality of leadership.” 

~ Mayor Randall Woodfin

Learn More about Birmingham Promise

With high school graduations coming in May, expect to hear more about Birmingham Promise, including stories about city of Birmingham high school graduates benefiting from the program. To learn more about Birmingham Promise visit http://www.birminghampromise.org/