birminghamal.gov
To align city resources with educational outcomes and expand opportunity for Birmingham’s children, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan today announced the formation of the Birmingham Children and Youth Commission, an initiative designed to create a coordinated, citywide strategy that drives economic mobility through a unified cradle-to-career (C2C) system.
The Commission will bring together a broad cross-section of leaders from education, faith, philanthropy, and community organizations to align around a shared vision and build citywide momentum. A Steering Committee will support the Commission by translating that vision into action — coordinating neighborhood-level efforts and ensuring momentum between sessions.
“The future of Birmingham’s economy is sitting in our classrooms and playing in our parks right now,” said Mayor Woodfin. This Commission brings everyone to the same table — city government, schools, employers, faith leaders, and families — to build a unified pipeline of opportunity for our next generation.”
The Commission will convene three sessions over the coming months. During this time, members will review citywide data, identify systemic gaps and opportunities, and develop a child-focused economic mobility roadmap — a public blueprint that will guide the city’s investments in children and families for years to come.
“Our students’ needs do not end when the final bell rings,” said Superintendent Sullivan. “To truly support the whole child, we need a citywide strategy that connects what happens inside the classroom with the health, safety, and stability they need outside of it. This Commission is the first step toward building that permanent support system.”
The Commission is co-led by Mayor Woodfin and Superintendent Sullivan and includes Carlos Aléman, CEO of the Hispanic and Immigrant Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!); Samantha Williams, Executive Director of the Birmingham Promise; Mariohn Michel, Executive Director of Breakthrough Birmingham; Dr. Ashley Samuels, Executive Director of the Birmingham Education Foundation; and additional leaders across the city’s sectors.
The initiative is one of a growing series modeled after Harlem Children’s Zone, a national nonprofit specializing in Cradle to Career initiatives. For more information, and to see a full list of the commission members, go to www.birminghamal.gov/cradletocareer
