Jefferson County approves $30,000 grant to Step by Step Foundation for youth "Beyond the Game" program, 4-1

The Jefferson County Commission voted 4–1 on Sept. 11 to authorize a $30,000 community grant agreement with the Step by Step Foundation to support the foundation’s Beyond the Game program, which the contract specifies will offer financial-literacy classes, career-readiness instruction and career training for 14- to 21-year-olds across Jefferson County. The motion was made by Commissioner Bowen and seconded by Commissioner Tyson; Commissioner Scales cast the lone opposing vote. Legal counsel and county staff clarified on the record that the signed agreement is countywide rather than limited to Birmingham City Schools. The clarification came after initial statements in committee materials that described the item as for Birmingham City Schools. Attorney Smith, the county attorney, told the commission that the contract text does not limit programming to the city schools and that Step by Step has a broader footprint than the funded scope for this agreement. County staff member Shawna said, “It’s a program that is being offered to 14 to 21 year olds. That is anyone in Jefferson County,” and described the agreement’s limits as financial literacy, career readiness and some career training. Commissioner Scales pressed for clearer notification and local coordination, saying she had not been contacted by the Step by Step representative and expressing concern about programs being implemented in another commissioner’s district without consultation. She told the commission she wanted assurances that presiding commissioners in affected districts would be informed before programming occurs in their districts. Chair remarks and the county attorney reiterated that the agreement’s provisions — countywide eligibility for ages 14 through 21 and the service categories named in the contract — are what the commission was voting on. The item was approved by roll call after discussion; the chair asked legal staff to ensure the contract provisions are fulfilled as the program proceeds.