Birmingham Education Foundation was created as a nonprofit organization in 2008 to carry forward the next stage of the grassroots initiative Yes We Can! Birmingham.

Its vision and mission, as determined by a Board of Directors representing the whole community, are expressed in two defining statements:

• The Children of Birmingham are fully prepared for success in their work and life.
• The Birmingham Education Foundation brings the voice of the community to Birmingham City Schools leadership and works with that leadership to provide a range of support to allow the system to fulfill its mission and vision.

In meetings throughout 2009, BEF board members used the 2008 Community Agreement developed by Yes We Can! Birmingham, to shape four priorities of this new nonprofit:
• Expand advanced placement classes
• Provide professional development for principals
• Enhance career tech opportunities
• Increase parental involvement

““People in our community have the answer. They’re smart,” said Fred McCallum, volunteer chair of the Birmingham Education Foundation board and president of AT&T Alabama. “They have shared their vision for their schools, and we want to help them make it a reality. The Birmingham Education Foundation will build on the important work of Yes We Can! Birmingham and help give parents what they want: an excellent school system for their children.”

To find out more about how you can get involved, contact Karen Rolen at krolen@foundationbirmingham.org or call 205-327-3811.