Birmingham, Alabama
Overview
America’s Promise Alliance has recognized Birmingham as a second-time 100 Best Communities for Young People competition winner. As one of the few communities in the country with a department that specifically addresses issues impacting its youth, Birmingham strives to ensure its youth have access to programs and services that ensure lifelong success. The Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham (YLF) is a community-wide program offered to exemplary high school sophomores and juniors who have leadership qualities and a concern for their communities. Students that participate in the Youth Leadership Forum interact with community leaders and explore topics ranging from national and local government to cultural arts. Local Birmingham youth also participate in the First Look High School Program. This program is a four-week, service-learning workshop held in ninth grade Social Studies classes, covering topics such as stereotypes, leadership and citizenship.
Community Programs
- The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is an entire division of city government dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for Birmingham youth. The Division of Youth Services works to ensure that youth in Birmingham have effective programs and services available to them.
- The Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham (YLF) is a community-wide leadership program offered to exemplary high school sophomores and juniors who have leadership qualities and a concern for their communities. Students that participate in the Youth Leadership Forum interact with community leaders and explore topics ranging from national and local government to cultural arts.
- The FOX6 Kids & Jobs Program is a partnership between FOX6, the Division of Youth Services and over 80 work sites. The program employs hundreds of youth ages 14-21 through three components: 1) The 14 and 15-year old component provides youth with the opportunity to earn their first paycheck and gain valuable work experience. 2) The Summer Executive Internship program matches 16 to 21-year old students with paid internships in a field of their interest. 3) The Kids & Jobs Draft is modeled after a professional sports draft, where six high school students nominated by their principals are drafted by local businesses.
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The Dropout Prevention Program is designed to assist high school students who are unable to successfully continue in the regular academic school environment. Mentors are provided to assist students with developing study skills and passing the Alabama High School Graduation Exam.
Youth Voices
We have a variety of educational opportunities for every type of student. Failure and mediocrity are not options for us because we are expected to graduate.
—Kameron
As a product of the Summer Executive Internship at DYS, I speak with a full heart as to the impact that being allowed to gain work experience as well as networking skills has had on my development and transition into college.
— Anonymous