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On Thursday, June 9, Dr Mark Sullivan spoke at United Way’s Pacesetter 2022 Launch Campaign Breakfast on the effects of COVID-19 on schools in the city of Birmingham and how United Way of Central Alabama has supported the school system throughout the pandemic. Keep reading to find out how.

About the launch of the Pacesetter campaign

The launch of United Way’s Pacesetter campaign serves as a precursor to their main campaign in the fall. Local businesses that are part of United Way’s commitment to the community decide to start their campaigns early to kick off donations. Last year’s campaign raised $10.3 million.

This year’s goal is $10.5 million.

The Pacesetter campaign accounts for one-third of all campaign donations. United Way Campaign Chairman Emmett McLean expressed his gratitude to Pacesetter Enterprises for the work over the past year.

Funds from the Pacesetter campaign go to United Way’s annual campaign which supports partner community programs and organizations.

“United Way of Central Alabama improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our entire community. Our agency alone would not be able to engage all of the community actors necessary to successfully support our services. United Way is also a partner for change, working with a wide range of people and organizations to identify and address pressing community issues. We are honored that with the support of Centraide, we are able to serve 5,600 people with disabilities each year.

Susan E. Sellers, CEO, United Ability

Birmingham City School Superintendent Dr Mark Sullivan

United Way and the Birmingham City School System have partnered on their tutoring program. Dr. Sullivan provided an update on the Pacesetter Business Program and how invaluable the program is.

Partnership between United Way and the Birmingham City School tutoring program

In January 2022, United Way and the Birmingham City School System set up a project focusing on reading fluency for Year 3 students. After the state passed a 3rd grade literacy law, it has become essential for schools to focus on reading skills. The school system’s literacy is now six points higher than its post-pandemic score.

“The deficit was there before COVID, so the mentoring program is a very important part of bridging that gap and setting them up for success.”

Bill Conner, President of United Way Pacesetter

Birmingham City Schools Response to COVID

“It took everything in my soul to go virtual.”

Dr Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools

When the Birmingham City School system went virtual due to the pandemic, they discovered many pressing issues, including:

• Lack of internet access, affecting 25% of student households
• Food insecurity
• Mental health challenges

Because of these issues, Dr. Sullivan has implemented several initiatives, including:

• Professional development for teachers so they know how to navigate the online learning curve.
• Virtual information sessions for families of students so they can learn how to supervise their students’ online work.
• Meals provided by the school so that students can still eat.

United starts with you

Through the Pacesetter Companies and loaned United Way executives, they have helped create change in different communities and nonprofits across the state of Alabama. These businesses are essential to communities inside and outside of central Alabama.

Pacesetter loaned executives:

• Cleo Crawford – Regions
• Lizzie French – United Way of Central Alabama

Pioneer companies:

• Possibly Alabama
• AmFirst Credit Union
• Arlington Properties
• AutoTec
• Avadian Savings Bank
• Barze Taylor Noles Lowther
• Alabama BCBS
• BioHorizons
• Blount County Children’s Center
• Byars Wright
• CAPTRUST
• Cory Watson Lawyers
• Culotta, Scroggins, Hendricks and Gillespie
• Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
• Dunn Investment Company
• EBSCO (consumer subscription services)
• EGS Commercial Real Estate
• Encompass Health Society
• Ernst & Young LLP
• First American bank
• bridge
• Graham & Company
• Hoar Construction LLC
• Jemison Metals
• Kassouf & Cie PC
• Legacy YMCA
• mayer
• Browse Affordable Housing Partners
• O’Neal Industries
• Red Diamond Inc
• Renasant Bank
• Robins and Morton
• ServisFirstBank
• Southern State Bank
• The Alabama Baptist
• The Walker County Bow
• The family of collateral companies
• The Sheffield Group Inc.
• Timberline management company
• united ability
• United Way of Central Alabama
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham
• WA Asset Management
• Warren Avertett, LLC
• White Plume Technologies
• YMCA of Greater Birmingham

Would you like to get involved in the Birmingham City Schools tutoring programme? Contact United Way of Central Alabama at [email protected] today.

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