During its regularly scheduled board meeting on April 14, the Birmingham Board of Education recognized one individual and two organizations with the Power of Partnership Award for their outstanding service to our schools.
Rosalind Short
For more than 30 years, Ms. Rosalind Short has demonstrated extraordinary service and dedication to Birmingham City Schools.
Her journey began as a parent volunteer at Barrett Elementary School when her daughter was in second grade and sparked a lifelong commitment to serving students and families.
Over the years, Mrs. Short has generously given her time and leadership at multiple schools, including Barrett Elementary, Going Elementary, Hayes K8, Huffman Middle School, Huffman High School, and Martha Gaskins Elementary.
Her service has extended beyond traditional volunteer roles through initiatives such as Emergency Response Safety Fairs and ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between schools and families.
Today, she continues her impact as a grandmother and PTO President at Huffman Academy, while also serving on both the local and district Parent Advisory Councils.
Mrs. Rosalind Short truly embodies the BCS Connect Power of Partnership, and her unwavering commitment has made a lasting difference throughout our school community.
The Penny Foundation Incorporated
An extraordinary partner to Birmingham City Schools, The Penny Foundation has contributed visionary investment in student leadership and workforce development.
The organization’s hallmark collaboration with the district is the annual Penny Games, held each fall and provided completely free of charge to our students.
The Penny Games is the only national HBCU invitational of its kind, bringing together debate, esports, business strategy, cybersecurity competitions, and a college and career fair that connects students directly with employers, industries, and institutions shaping the future of work.
Through events such as the HBCU Debate Classic, Esports Invitational, Business Case Competition, and Cybersecurity Capture the Flag, students engage in real-world challenges that build critical thinking, teamwork, and career-ready skills.
Through its commitment to students and its strong support of local businesses, The Penny Foundation is helping build a thriving Birmingham where opportunity and innovation belong to everyone.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated Birmingham Chapter
The Birmingham Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is committed to providing educational, career, and personal development guidance to young people across our community. The chapter consistently serves as a source of positive role models, exposing students to careers, community service, and opportunities that inspire future success.
In January 2026, members visited Birmingham schools on the National Day of Reading, using the power of literacy to motivate and encourage students.
Another powerful example of the chapter’s work is the Kappa Kids program, which mentors young males in Birmingham City Schools by promoting academic achievement, leadership, and responsible citizenship.
The Birmingham Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated truly exemplifies the Power of Partnership through its sustained commitment to uplifting our students and schools.