Woodfin's Plan Would Pay College Tuition For Birmingham Students

BIRMINGHAM, AL — In a bold and somewhat ambitious plan announced last week, Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin said he is finding a way to provide college tuition for graduates of Birmingham high schools.

"Starting in 2020, any Birmingham City School student that walks across the graduation stage will have the opportunity to attend any in-state two or four year school tuition free," Woodfin said.

Woodfin said in a video statement that the Birmingham Promise Initiative would give these students options they may feel they did not have. He said he has attended enough high school graduation ceremonies and met enough graduates to see that tuition cost is the major hurdle in these students furthering their education.

"I am of the opinion and belief that our young people when they walk across the stage should exercise one of three options. That is to either go to a college or university, go into the military, or go straight into the work force," Woodfin said. "What the Birmingham Promise is about is supporting two of those options. One, to go to a college or university when they finish high school, or go straight into the work force."

The plan would fund full tuition for students who attend Birmingham City Schools for 12 years, with portions of tuition paid for students who attended for fewer years.

In addition to college tuition, the plan provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to receive credit hours for completing apprenticeships at local businesses, while earning a guaranteed minimum wage of $15 per hour.

The city has committed to a $2 million initial investment in the proposal, which is expected to cost between $6 and 8 million dollars per year. The United Way will serve as the fiscal agent for the initiative and hopes to raise $35-to-$50 million to endow the fund.

Woodfin's Birmingham Promise statement can be viewed here: