#United States #Baltimore #Baltimore Fund #Youth Leaders #Learning Circles

Baltimore Children & Youth Fund Launches Learning Circles for Youth Development Leaders

The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) has announced a groundbreaking initiative with the launch of its 2025 Learning Circles, designed specifically to nurture and empower youth development leaders across Baltimore City. This program serves as a collaborative platform, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues, explore innovative strategies, and acquire essential insights that will help fortify their organizations and enhance their leadership capabilities in the youth development sector.

The Learning Circles will consist of seven expertly facilitated sessions, opening doors for nonprofit professionals to engage in problem-solving exercises, share invaluable knowledge, and bolster their organizational capacity. The initiative is set to culminate on June 3 with the Community Exhibition — a vibrant, science fair-style event where participants will showcase their learnings and insights with the community.

Key Features of the Learning Circles

Participants in the Learning Circles can look forward to:

• - Interactive, expert-led sessions that create a dynamic environment for dialogue and innovative thinking.
• - Activities with a clear focus on organizational growth, narrative change, and effective youth development strategies.
• - Peer learning methods emphasizing resource-sharing and actionable strategies to improve practice.

"The Learning Circles represent a significant investment in the leaders fostering youth development in Baltimore," stated Alysia Lee, President & CEO of BCYF. “By facilitating spaces where these leaders can collaborate, creatively problem-solve, and develop their skills, we ensure that the organizations dedicated to our younger generation are equipped with the necessary tools and support to thrive."

Building on Past Success

The success of the previous year's Learning Circles, which saw a strong 95% of participants agreeing that the program improved their skills and knowledge, lays a solid foundation for this year’s initiative. The previous cohort not only provided essential opportunities for growth and collaboration but also proved to be a critical component of BCYF’s overarching learning lab, aimed at examining racial justice and liberatory practices within youth-centered organizations.

As a vital part of this learning lab, the Learning Circles facilitate creative problem-solving and capacity building among youth development leaders. This aligns seamlessly with the mission of the learning lab to connect intergenerational leaders, providing them with the tools and networks required for implementing effective, community-driven solutions within Baltimore.

Expanding Knowledge and Resources

For 2025, the Learning Circles will expand on previous successes with new engaging content, deeper participant interactions, and additional resources that empower both organizations and individuals. Some highlighted topics for this year include:

• - Nonprofit Infrastructure Bootcamp: Enhancing foundational systems such as governance, compliance, and financial management to assure long-term organizational sustainability.
• - Youth Development Best Practices: Diving into proven methodologies and innovative strategies aimed at improving youth programming and outcomes.
• - Storytelling: Developing compelling narratives to advocate for change, engage stakeholders, and amplify the impacts of initiatives serving youth.

"Attendees can expect an enriching experience marked by significant insights, engaging discussions, and practical strategies they can apply in their organizations right away," Lee added. "These sessions are crafted to be both interactive and supportive, nurturing a vibrant community of learning and innovation."

Through the Learning Circles, BCYF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to enhancing the youth development ecosystem in Baltimore, equipping organizations with the necessary resources, knowledge, and networks needed for lasting impact. For more details regarding the Learning Circles and participation options, please visit bcyfund.org. Media inquiries can be directed to Simone Blackman at [email protected].

About BCYF

The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) is dedicated to fostering partnerships that bolster opportunities for the youth of Baltimore. Established in 2015, the fund was initiated as a response to the urgent need for equitable funding in the community. Since its launch, BCYF has allocated over $31 million to organizations dedicated to serving Baltimore's children and youth, utilizing taxpayer dollars to address the pressing challenges faced by these communities.