Youth First Weekly August 30 - September 5, 2021

We Connect Youth To Opportunities Through Innovative Programs, Partnerships, and Services To Achieve Success

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT or PROGRAM TO BE FEATURED IN YFW

Welcome to the Youth First Weekly! Each Monday morning, you will receive an overview from DYS highlighting youth events and programs happening all around Birmingham delivered right to your inbox. Interested in having your event or program featured in the Youth First Weekly? Send your information to DYS@birminghamal.gov by Thursday of the prior week by 4 p.m. or click on the link above.

Library Holds Annual Food for Fines Campaign

Do you have outstanding library fees? Now's the time to clear them up! The Public Libraries in Jefferson County including Birmingham Public Library (BPL) will participate in the 7th annual “Food for Fines,” a canned food drive held each September that allows patrons to pay off up to $10 toward their library fines by donating canned or boxed foods.

One dollar in fines will be waived for each item of food donated at any of the 40 JCLC members, which include the BiPL's 18 locations . The waived fees apply to fines only. The food drive is open to anyone, even if they do not have overdue materials. Expiration dates on food must be visible on all donated food items.

Librarians in Jefferson County hope this campaign will be the boost several nonprofit food groups need as they approach the fall holidays. The libraries plan to donate goods to Central Food Bank of Central Alabama, Magic City Harvest and more.

“Food for Fines” is held in conjunction with the annual “National Library Card Signup Month." To learn more CLICK HERE!

Families Are Invited to Celebrate

Labor Day at The Birmingham Zoo

In celebration of the Labor Day holiday, the Birmingham Zoo will be open on Monday, September 6 from 9:00 am until 5:00 p.m. The Zoo will be offering $10 discounted admission to First Responders and Healthcare Workers (with valid ID/badge) and up to four (4) guests at $10 each from Saturday, September 4 until Monday, September 6.

Discounted admission tickets will only be sold onsite at the Zoo’s front entrance ticket booths. Guest must show valid ID to receive discounted admission. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or coupon. First Responders are employees of an emergency service responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance, such as EMT/Paramedics, Firefighters, and Law Enforcement Officers. Healthcare Worker includes paramedics, doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, hospital and medical staff, researchers, and administration.

For more information about this offer, visit the Birmingham Zoo's website HERE.

City of Birmingham Offices Will Be Closed on Monday, September 6, 2021 in observance of Labor Day

Scholarship Opportunities

ACHE Student Grant Program

Application Deadline: September 15, 2021

Scholarship Award: Up to $1,200

The Alabama Student Grant Program is a state student assistance program established to provide financial assistance to residents of the State of Alabama for undergraduate, non-sectarian education at independent, non-profit, post-secondary institutions of higher learning located within the State of Alabama. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States or in the process of becoming a citizen. Must not be enrolled and not intend to enroll in a course of study leading to an undergraduate degree in theology, divinity, or other religious vocation.

This grant is available only to students at an eligible independent Alabama college or university. This is not a need based program. Grant amounts vary from year-to-year based on the availability of funds, but cannot exceed $3,000 per academic year.

The following institutions are the only participants of the Alabama Student Grant Program: Amridge University, Birmingham Southern College, Faulkner University, Huntingdon College, Miles College, Oakwood University, Samford University, Spring Hill College, South University - Montgomery, Stillman College, U.S. Sports Academy, & University of Mobile.

For more information about the ACHE Alabama Student Grant Program, visit their website HERE and find the application HERE.