WE’RE THE BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION. YOU CAN CALL US, ED. WHAT WE DO. The unique and specific focus of our work is “Network-Building”. The Birmingham Education Foundation (Ed) is dedicated to increasing the number of students in the Birmingham City Schools that are on the path to college, career, and life readiness. We believe that this is only possible by cultivating a diverse network of people who demand excellence for our students and inspire others to do the same. To actively cultivate the Network, we provide direct programming for students and fun and interactive opportunities for Network members to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Network initiatives fall under the headings of Educate Local and Raise Up! Educate Local is a specific set of innovative and high-value opportunities for Birmingham City School students to engage in meaningful and authentic college & career access and essential skills training; engage Network members in activities developed to address strategic student-centered Network priorities; and expand the personal networks of our students, community members, and stakeholders. Raise Up! initiatives provide the weekly and monthly time, space, and set of practices that have proven to: encourage relationships to be formed across lines of difference; surface Network member ideas, concerns, and/or opportunities; and give Network members the opportunity to exchange their gifts and talents to meet community needs and participate in collective action. WHY WE DO IT. Because we believe deeply committed relationships across lines of difference can change everything. Because we believe in the potential of our kids and the potential of our city. Because we know our students will be successful if we give them the opportunity to do so. Because they deserve our support. Because Birmingham’s future depends on it. Because it is our life’s work.