Invest in Birmingham students now for a brighter future

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Have you heard of the Birmingham Education Foundation, or Birmingham “Ed”? Get ready to add another local nonprofit to your love list. 

Here’s a look at how this organization is helping brighten the futures of Birmingham City Schools’ students and their families, plus how you can help them raise vital funds.

About Birmingham Ed

The Birmingham Education Foundation is dedicated to creating important changes for Birmingham City Schools and its students, families and communities.

The organization’s main goal is to increase the number of students in Birmingham City Schools on the path to academic excellence and life readiness. 

There are two key ways they achieve this goal:

• Listening to, working with + prioritizing the needs of those they serve.
• Building a network that connects students + families with important resources.

Birmingham Ed’s biggest initiative to date

When the 2023-2024 school year kicked off in August, so did Birmingham Ed’s Education Innovative Initiative (EII). 

EII features a wraparound services model that aligns with the specific needs of school communities. 

A wraparound services model is a youth-guided, family-driven team planning process that provides coordinated and individualized community-based services for youths and their families to help them achieve positive outcomes.

Hayes K-8, located on 43rd Street North in Birmingham, was selected as EII’s Pilot School—the first of many to receive Ed’s services. 

“EII is a visionary approach that places our public schools at the heart of community change.

We believe that to impact the whole student, we must address their needs both inside and outside the classroom.

EII ensures that our schools become catalysts for holistic growth, providing students with enriching experiences and connecting families to vital resources.”

Dr. Ashley Samuels, Executive Director, Birmingham Education Foundation

Birmingham City Schools receive these services through the Birmingham Education Foundation:

• Student access to enrichment + holistic wraparound services.
• The opportunity to connect with Ed’s Community Connector Network, which connects students + families with providers to address barriers to health, wellness and/or academic performance.
• Integration of Ed’s current programs that connect families across Birmingham with vital resources. 

How you can keep Birmingham Ed shining

In May, Birmingham Ed held a May Match campaign. During the fundraiser, Vulcan Materials matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. 

“We are committed to the Birmingham community and we’re so glad our long-term partners at Vulcan Materials feel the same.

We’re asking the community to join in supporting our efforts to ensure that students achieve academic excellence and life readiness.”

Dr. Ashley Samuels, Executive Director, Birmingham Education Foundation

While the fundraiser may have ended, you can still show your support for Birmingham Ed.

Here’s how your donation will make a difference:

• Community Connector Network: Gives students + families access to essential services addressing barriers to health wellness + academic success.
• Enrichment Services: Provides students with access to enrichment programs that go beyond academics to nurture their holistic development. 
• Equitable Resource Distribution: Helps integrate existing programs to ensure resources reach families in schools, promoting equity + inclusivity. 

Ready to show your support? Here’s how:

1. Donate online.
2. Mail a check to PO BOX 55357, Birmingham, AL 35255

To learn more about the Birmingham Education Foundation, visit their website and follow them on Facebook + Instagram.

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