Empowering Baltimore's Youth: BCYF's Impact at SXSW EDU 2025
Empowering Baltimore's Youth: BCYF's Impact at SXSW EDU 2025
In a significant showcase of commitment towards youth empowerment, the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) recently led a vibrant delegation of nonprofit leaders and youth advocates to the SXSW EDU 2025 conference. This initiative not only amplified the voice of Baltimore in the national conversation surrounding education and youth development but also reinforced the importance of equity-driven innovation.
BCYF’s participation highlighted its ongoing dedication to capacity building. By ensuring that grassroots organizations are equipped with the necessary tools, training, and connections, BCYF is creating a foundation for sustainable, long-term impact within Baltimore's communities. An impressive 92% of the delegates were attending SXSW EDU for the first time, making this experience even more unique as it allowed them to engage directly with national thought leaders. The event fostered the exchange of groundbreaking ideas and explored how cutting-edge technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), can be utilized to enhance community-based learning.
Emily Cory, Executive Assistant to the President and Board Administrator at BCYF, described the experience as “energizing,” stating that it brought both staff and grantees together to delve into the latest advancements in teaching, learning, and youth development. She left feeling inspired and curiously eager to explore new ways to elevate youth voices in education policy.
The strategic investment by BCYF in both technical support and professional development was evident during the conference. Grantees not only gained exposure to national best practices but also fortified their leadership, advocacy, and sustainability strategies through meaningful connections made at the event. BCYF’s initiative is about empowering these organizations to effectively serve Baltimore’s youth.
Key Insights from the SXSW EDU Conference
1. Strengthening Youth Advocacy: Discussions led by youth themselves were among the most impactful sessions, reinforcing BCYF’s commitment to amplifying young voices in educational policy and programming.
2. Diversity in Education: Close to half of the attendees identified both equity and inclusion in education as vital focal areas, along with youth-led initiatives advocating for change within this sphere.
3. Professional Growth and Networking: Every BCYF delegate reported meaningful connections formed at the conference, with 67% intending to collaborate with newfound contacts moving forward.
4. Future Engagement: A remarkable 75% of those attending expressed interest in presenting at SXSW EDU 2026. In support, BCYF is set to offer workshops and coaching sessions to aid in these proposals.
Looking ahead, BCYF remains steadfast in its mission to support Baltimore’s youth organizations. By facilitating access to influential national platforms, they are expanding opportunities for local leaders to elevate their expertise and push for substantive change. The focus for SXSW EDU 2026 will include:
- - Supporting grantees in crafting robust proposals for national conferences.
- - Strengthening workforce strategies that incorporate the arts.
- - Promoting greater inclusivity for Latino youth-serving programs.
By prioritizing financial investments alongside capacity-building initiatives, BCYF is not only equipping grassroots organizations but also fostering a nurturing ecosystem for youth in Baltimore. The journey continues as they prepare for the next SXSW EDU, committed to ensuring that the innovative work of their grantees enjoys the recognition it deserves and propels local youth toward brighter futures.
For more information about the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund and their initiatives, visit bcyfund.org. For media inquiries, please contact Simone Blackman at [email protected].
About the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund
The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) is dedicated to forging partnerships that enhance opportunities for Baltimore youth. Founded in response to the urgent need for equitable funding in Black communities following the tragic events surrounding Freddie Gray's death in police custody, BCYF has garnered support from city residents through tax revenues. Since its inception, it has allocated over $31M to various programs aimed at serving children and youth in the community.
Topics People & Culture）
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