The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge has announced another round of nonprofits who will get support to help young people explore careers and connect significant work experiences to education.

“Building on the success of our inaugural round, this second cohort of Catalyze Birmingham grantees reflects the growing momentum and innovation in Birmingham’s push for career-connected learning,” said Carlisha Harris, program specialist. “These organizations are driving transformative change in career-connected learning and demonstrating the power of collaboration and community-focused solutions. We’re thrilled to support their vision and excited to see the impact they will create.”

Four nonprofits were awarded funding:

• Black Women’s Mental Health Institute, an institution that seeks to create interest in mental health careers, was awarded $224,000
• Blount County Education, a career exploration mobile unit customized as a multi-modal lab space for young learners, awarded $188,734,
• Jefferson State Community College Foundation Inc., a foundation that bridges the gap between education and high-demand careers through mobile career exploration simulators, was awarded $150,000, and
• YMCA of Greater Birmingham, a resource hub for the neighborhood which will include counseling services, a state of the art pediatric clinic, affordable home ownership and youth center, was awarded $154,195.

In March 2024, the Catalyze Birmingham Challenge awarded $720,000 to five organizations showcasing bold and innovative approaches to career-connected learning

“We’re proud to work with this group of forward-thinking partners to provide funding and ongoing support to innovative organizations that provide students with opportunities to learn new skills and discover their career passions, while ensuring employers see the benefit in growing new talent pipelines,” said Michelle Cheang, director of Catalyze.

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge is a collective effort that receives support from the national Catalyze initiative and funding from the Walton Family Foundation, as well as funding from local Birmingham organizations and nonprofits.

Breonna Atkins is a senior at Carver High School in Birmingham and a reporting intern at AL.com through the Birmingham Promise program.