City of Birmingham Extends $1M Investment in Financial Education and Wealth-Building for Youth and Families
by Birmingham Times · The Birmingham TimesThe City of Birmingham is extending its commitment to the IMC Financial Freedom Project with a $1 million investment to help Birmingham students, families and educators build the knowledge and financial tools needed for long-term economic stability.
The four-year partnership, launched in 2022, provides K-12 students with interactive, culturally relevant financial education while connecting families, teachers and school staff with workshops, individualized financial consulting and resources to strengthen financial wellness. This school year, the program will be in all Birmingham City Schools.
“Financial freedom starts with knowledge, and we have a responsibility to make sure our young people have that knowledge before they enter adulthood,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “This investment gives Birmingham students the tools to make informed financial decisions, build wealth and create opportunities for themselves and their families. When we invest in the financial future of our children, we invest in the future of Birmingham.”
Since 2022, the program has reached 3,797 students across 20 schools and helped facilitate $1.25 million in student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The program also has helped students build confidence in their financial decision-making, with 73% of participating high school students and 96% of middle school students reporting increased confidence.
The program recently launched an investment club in partnership with Edward Jones, giving students an opportunity to apply what they learn and develop practical investing skills.
“Financial education is most powerful when it moves from the classroom into everyday life,” said Isaac M. Cooper, founder of the IMC Financial Freedom Project and CEO of IMC Financial Consulting. “This investment allows us to go deeper — to help students understand money, help families strengthen their financial foundations and help educators become champions for financial wellness. We are building more than financial literacy; we are building a generation prepared to create, protect and transfer wealth.”
The Financial Freedom Project takes a 360-degree approach to financial wellness, extending beyond students to their families and educators. Parents, caregivers, faculty and staff have access to monthly workshops and no-cost, confidential one-on-one financial consulting to identify financial challenges, establish immediate action steps and connect with additional resources.
The program began as a partnership among the City of Birmingham, IMC Financial Consulting and Birmingham City Schools, initially launching at six schools during the 2022–2023 school year before expanding to all schools. Its community impact also includes Financial Empowerment Fairs that connect families with organizations offering financial guidance, stability and support.
The continued $1 million investment, made through the City’s Department of Youth Services, reinforces Birmingham’s commitment to putting youth first, closing wealth gaps and creating pathways to economic mobility.
For more information about the IMC Financial Freedom Project, visit imcffp.com.