Upward Huntsville
Upward for Early to Mid-Career Professionals
Momentum’s Upward program for early-to-mid career women launched in Huntsville in 2025! The success of the inaugural Upward Class will continue with applications for the 2026 Program being accepted from July 15 – September 15, 2025.
Just over 300 women have graduated from the Birmingham Upward program since its inception in 2019, and the results are outstanding. According to a survey of last year’s Upward class, the average salary increase of participants was $15,000, and 40% of participants reported receiving upward mobility or a promotion during the program. 100% of participants said they were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their participation in the class.
The Upward sessions are held once a month on Wednesdays, from February to October. Please verify your availability for the program dates before submitting your application. You must be able to attend the opening and closing sessions, and are allowed only one missed session during the year.
Investment
Tuition for the program is $2,500 and is usually paid in full or in part by the participant’s organization. A limited number of scholarships are available for those requiring financial assistance.
Attendance
Attendance at the opening and closing sessions is mandatory for graduation. Full participation in the March – September monthly sessions is expected; no more than one session may be missed. Please verify the following dates before submitting your application.
Huntsville Upward Dates
Opening session – February 11, 2026
(required attendance, full day)
Monthly Sessions, 12:30-4:30
March 18, 2026
April 8, 2026
May 13, 2026
July 15, 2026
August 12, 2026
September 2, 2026
Closing Session & Graduation – October 14, 2026
(required attendance, full day)
How to
Apply
Make sure you have a copy of your resume, a recent headshot, a brief bio < 100 words, and two letters of recommendation before you start the application. The letters of recommendation should be from references who can speak to your qualifications and should include examples of you demonstrating a high degree of career ownership, self-motivation, capability of motivating others, appreciation for diversity, initiative in team projects and strong people skills.
Please have all of the above information prepared when you start your application, as you will not be able to save and return to it.
2025-2026
Applications Open
Application Period
July 15 – September 15, 2025
Applicant Selection
Applicants will be notified of placement by early November, and the program will begin in February 2026
Have Questions?
Participant Criteria
The Momentum selection committee, comprised of volunteer Momentum alumnae, will select a maximum of 60 applicants with diverse roles and representing a variety of industries to participate in the program. The participants will be divided into two classes based on level of experience. The first cohort is for high potential individual contributors with less than five years of experience, the second is for emerging leaders with approximately five-fifteen years of experience. Each class will meet for half-day sessions once a month for nine months, beginning in February. The following is a general profile of the target participant:
- Demonstrates high degree of career ownership
- Is self-motivated and capable of motivating others
- Appreciates diversity
- Shows initiative in team projects
- Possesses strong people skills
Meet Upward
Class One
Upward has introduced me to a great group of women in Birmingham who provide different perspectives, and challenge my own processes. It has encouraged and stretched my professional development by pushing me be more intentional. In short, this program encourages open communications and learning from one another, which is an invaluable thing.
Momentum has built a network of amazing women that I can lean on and support, provided opportunities to participate in the mentorship program that has given me confidence and perspective, connected me to a career at Fast Slow Motion which has been a blessing in my life, and encouraged me to give back to the Community through leadership opportunities at Girl Spring. Momentum’s Upward program has changed the trajectory of my career and I am forever grateful.
I am loving Upward and feel so fortunate to have been accepted. I know it’s going to be a game changer for me. It’s encouraging me to do the hard work of really taking stock of where I’ve been, who I am, and where I’m trying to go.
The Upward sessions have been incredibly refreshing! To be among a group of 60 women, all seeking to be intentional with their leadership and in their careers has been amazing experience!