We are thrilled to announce the launch of STRIVE Birmingham! After more than a year of exploration and a warm welcome from the community, we will begin STRIVE’s newest site with classes in Winter 2022-23.
“STRIVE’s expansion to Birmingham builds upon our deep history of partnerships in cities across the country,” says STRIVE President & CEO Phil Weinberg. “Together with local partners, we see incredible opportunity for STRIVE to support the city’s efforts to build an inclusive economy with access to good careers for all residents. We are ready to get to work.”
STRIVE Birmingham increases our national presence to 13 cities. We will operate three site locations directly in New York, Atlanta, and now Birmingham, with our programs present in ten additional cities through local licensed partners, serving an average of 2,000 students annually. STRIVE Atlanta opened in 2020, with STRIVE declaring an intention to open in more locations. In Birmingham, STRIVE will serve upwards of 125 new students annually when at full operation.
“STRIVE brings to Birmingham over three decades of experience putting citizens on the path to meaningful and lasting employment," says Jared Weinstein, founder of the Overton Project, a social impact investment entity focused on Birmingham. "STRIVE is a win for both local employers and those in Birmingham looking for a new path forward. I'm excited about the long-term impact and long-lasting partnership between Birmingham and STRIVE.”
The Alabama Power Foundation and The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham have committed their support for the launch of STRIVE Birmingham with preliminary investments.
“We know that STRIVE has a track record of success in communities across the country,” says Houston Smith, Alabama Power Vice President of Governmental Affairs. “After meeting with STRIVE leadership earlier this year, we felt confident that their programs would make a difference in our community. We are proud to be among the first to support STRIVE Birmingham.”
“The Foundation is continually vetting various initiatives for best in quality programs and innovative work," says Christopher Nanni, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. "We see STRIVE as a welcome addition to the network of solutions available to our region, and to the business community looking to be connected to local talent.”
As a national workforce development leader, STRIVE aims to replicate and expand where our unique, targeted services are needed most. Rising economic inequality has exacerbated the challenges that structural racism has long-posed for communities of color—particularly Black Alabamians. STRIVE’s nationally recognized, 5-pillar model of job training and wraparound services will help to address this crisis and provide an alternative to post-secondary education.
“STRIVE Birmingham could not be arriving at a more opportune time,” says Mayor of Birmingham Randall Woodfin, who welcomed Weinberg and STRIVE Board Co-Chair and Graduate Roy Castro in a recent visit. “The pandemic has displaced thousands of local workers, which has further stressed our economy. We need to generate a forward-thinking talent development system that offers multiple entry points to good jobs with upward mobility so Birmingham families can build their generational wealth. This is a top priority for the Magic City.”
We also spoke with several local employers, to explore further how STRIVE can serve the specific needs of their growing businesses, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "Birmingham is full of talent seeking opportunity,” says Emily Wykle, Director of External Affairs. “STRIVE will connect that talent with the skills and training they need to join the competitive workforce and access the good jobs we offer here at UAB and many others throughout the city."
STRIVE Birmingham will begin as a pilot class of our signature Career Path program this winter. Grounded in evidence and proven practice, Career Path includes a robust combination of curricula, job readiness training, and occupational skills training for students to gain the skills that employers demand. Strong employer partnerships inform the program and ensures graduates start careers where they can advance. Given the high industry demand of the region, this pilot program will offer an on-ramp to careers in Healthcare. Long-term support and wrap-around services ensure conditions for success in the classroom and beyond. Anticipated outcomes for STRIVE Birmingham include an 80% program graduation rate, an 80% certifications rate, and a 70% job placement rate.
“STRIVE Birmingham is poised to be a national leader in building an inclusive workforce for the future,” says J.W. Carpenter of Prosper—Birmingham’s cutting-edge coalition of community, civic, and business leaders committed to creating a more vibrant and inclusive economy. “I’m excited to have them join the fabric of the future of Birmingham.”
A search for an Executive Director for STRIVE Birmingham has begun. We are seeking talented candidates from the Birmingham region who are ready to bring STRIVE Birmingham to life. Click here to view the job description. Click here to to learn more.
