Attendance Rewards: Birmingham City Schools to Grant $500 to Two Families per School on Day One

As students in Alabama gear up for a return to school next week, Birmingham, in collaboration with the Penny Foundation Inc., a local nonprofit, is committed to ensuring families are prepared from day one. They are allocating $43,000 in incentives aimed at decreasing chronic absenteeism. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin emphasized during a City Hall press conference, “Chronic absenteeism presents one of the largest obstacles to student success.” He expressed a desire for every student to begin their school journey equipped for success. Lyord Watson Jr., Executive Director of the Penny Foundation, noted that family support is crucial for student attendance. Established in 2017, the Penny Foundation aims to unite individuals and resources for educational and community enhancement. Chronic absenteeism, previously at 29%, has significantly dropped to below 14%, thanks to partnerships with local agencies. The initiative also includes a draw where two families per Birmingham City School can win $500, given students are registered and present on the first day. For further details, visit www.birminghamal.gov/readydayone.