Upward Birmingham
Upward for Early to Mid-Career Professionals
Although there are more college-educated women entering the workforce than men, only 40% will make it to middle management. And middle management is where most of them will stay, since only 14% will advance to senior leadership. Women in early and mid-career are critical to filling the leadership pipeline, but many women at this stage are feeling overworked, overlooked, or both.
For nearly 25 years, Momentum has delivered transformational change for leaders. We guide you through a process of self-discovery, vision casting, action planning and access to a vast network of women leaders.
The Upward program year runs from February to October and is comprised of two cohorts of approximately 30 women each: one for early career (3-5 years of experience, usually at the individual contributor level) and one for mid-career (6-15 years of experience, usually at the first-time manager level.) Each class session is half-day, one cohort in the morning and the second cohort in the afternoon. Sessions are facilitated by experts, and include topics such as Personal Branding, Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, Career Planning, and more.
Investment
Tuition for the program is $2,500. Participants pursue a range of funding options, including employer support, and 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.
Birmingham Upward Dates
Opening Session – February 18, 2027 (required attendance)
Monthly Half-Day Sessions
AM: 8:00am – 12:00pm; PM: 12:30pm – 4:30pm
March 18, 2027
April 22, 2027
May 20, 2027
*No session in June
July 15, 2027
August 19, 2027
September 23, 2027
Graduation – October 21, 2027 (required attendance)
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.
2027
Applications are now open!
Application Period
August – October 15th
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 Eight
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!