Birmingham Corps Launches “Vision 2028” to Double Workforce Impact and Deliver $29M in Economic Return to the Region

Birmingham Corps has officially launched its bold new strategic plan: Vision 2028: A Smarter, More Effective Way to Recruit & Retain Local Talent.

Birmingham, AL – June 17, 2025 – The three-year roadmap outlines how the organization will double the number of Birmingham residents placed in high-impact jobs, expand its employer and community partnerships, and generate over $29 million in projected local economic impact. The plan positions workforce development as not just a social investment—but a strategic engine for economic growth. 

“Vision 2028 is about turning workforce access into region-wide prosperity,” said Yamini Bhat, Founding Executive Director of Birmingham Corps. “When we train and retain local talent, people earn more and then they can spend more. Which in turn, boosts local businesses, increases tax revenue, and reduces strain on public assistance. We are helping people keep pace with the pace of progress.” 

On June 16, 2025, Birmingham Corps hosted a community convening to mark the official launch of Vision 2028. The event brought together Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, local philanthropists, job seekers, and workforce leaders to discuss the plan’s goals and its economic relevance for Birmingham’s future. 

“Birmingham Corps is a role model for training and creating a pathway for sustainable employment,” said Sanjay Singh, Birmingham entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader. “Eventually every community will need to follow a similar model to expand economic opportunities for all.” 

Vision 2028 Goals: 

• Double the number of Birmingham residents trained, developed, and placed into jobs

• Increase job placements by 76%, improving long-term retention and reducing hiring costs

• Double the employer and community partner network, creating a stronger workforce ecosystem

• Raise $2 million in public and private investment to fuel workforce innovation 

• Deliver $29 million+ in projected economic impact through higher wages, tax revenue, and reduced reliance on social services 

"Birmingham Corps is creating a smarter, more sustainable workforce system—one that connects our residents to opportunity and strengthens our city’s economy from the inside out. Vision 2028 is not just a plan, it’s a promise to invest in people, build stronger neighborhoods, and position Birmingham for long-term growth," said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin.

How Our Work Impacts You:

• $1 Invested = $4 in Economic Return 

Every dollar invested in workforce development yields a 4x return in higher wages, increased tax revenue, and lower unemployment. 

• Higher Earnings = Stronger Local Economy 

Participants who complete Birmingham Corps programs earn 20–30% more annually, increasing their local spending power. 

• Reduced Dependency on Public Assistance 

Stable, well-paying jobs reduce reliance on unemployment benefits, food assistance, and housing subsidies—saving taxpayer dollars. 

• Sustained Economic Mobility 

Birmingham Corps doesn’t just help people get jobs—it helps them build careers. That means higher lifetime earnings, stronger families, and long-term economic stability. 

“The Birmingham Corps Board of Directors is proud of the organization’s first formal strategic plan,” said Brantley Fry, Birmingham Corps Board Chair. “The Vision 2028 Plan builds on the success of the first three years of operations and multiplies impact for our community. We recognize this would not be possible without the talented staff and loyal commitment of our community partners.” 

With a focus on high-need sectors like healthcare, education, and community development, Birmingham Corps offers employers a pipeline of job-ready, mission-aligned talent—while saving them at least $4,500 per hire in recruiting costs. 

To read the full Vision 2028 plan or get involved, visit www.birminghamcorps.org. 

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About Birmingham Corps 

Founded in 2022, Birmingham Corps is a workforce development nonprofit that recruits, trains, and retains overlooked talent for community-impact jobs. Its service-to-career model bridges the gap between job seekers and employers—helping residents build careers, not just land jobs, while reducing employer hiring costs and strengthening Birmingham’s economy.

Birmingham Corps and Jefferson State Community College Announce Launch of Birmingham Health Pathways (BHP)

Birmingham Corps is turning service into workforce pathways for residents in Birmingham, AL.

Birmingham, AL – September 3, 2024 – Birmingham Corps is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Jefferson State Community College (Jeff State) to launch the Birmingham Health Pathways (BHP). This innovative program aims to train, develop, and place 20 local residents into healthcare jobs in Birmingham. The initiative is generously supported by the Women's Foundation of Alabama and has been made possible by the Good Jobs Challenge grant, a $10M Federal grant awarded to the City of Birmingham by the Economic Development Agency.

The BHP program includes 25 weeks of comprehensive healthcare training, 6 weeks of career development training, and ongoing career coaching. Participants will receive continuous support until they are successfully placed into full-time positions at local hospitals. This program is designed for individuals with a deep passion for serving the community and a desire to jump-start their careers in the healthcare sector.

"At Birmingham Corps, we believe in the power of local talent to transform our community. The Birmingham Health Pathways program is more than just a training initiative—it's a gateway to stable, rewarding careers in healthcare that will uplift both individuals and the entire Birmingham community. We're excited to partner with Jefferson State Community College to provide residents with the skills and support they need to succeed in these essential roles," said Yamini Bhat, Founding Executive Director of Birmingham Corps.

Healthcare is one of the most critical sectors in Birmingham, providing necessary care and support to the community. It offers job stability, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to positively impact lives daily. We encourage anyone passionate about healthcare and community service to apply for this program.

Applications to enroll in the program are due by October 11, 2024 at 5 PM. Interested individuals can apply at www.birminghamcorps.org/opportunities or contact Amelia Hastings (amelia@birminghamcorps.org ) for more details. The program starts October 28, 2024. 

About Birmingham Corps

Birmingham Corps is dedicated to connecting local talent to high-quality, impactful jobs in their communities. Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive training programs, Birmingham Corps aims to foster economic empowerment and workforce access. 

About Jefferson State Community College

Jefferson State Community College has led the way in providing excellence in education and workforce training for central Alabama since 1965. Jefferson State remains committed to students and communities by providing accessible and affordable education of the highest caliber.  Jefferson State serves more than 14,000 students each year and is one of the largest community colleges in the state. The college currently offers 116 university transfer programs, 39 career and technical programs, 30 short-term certificate programs, and more than 100 dual enrollment courses at four campuses in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Chilton counties.