THE BMEA Youth Leadership Summer Program

About Our Program

Serving 275 Black males entering 1st – 6th grades, with Black male high school mentors supporting the elementary students, the BMEA youth leadership summer program is a continuum of the year-round Youth Leadership Development Program that creates equitable education opportunities during the critical summer months. Working collaboratively with education leaders, teachers, and teen mentors, we create a comprehensive learning experience that includes academic skills building, mathematics intervention, social and emotional learning, and cultural and identity development.

Applications are now closed

Dates and location

Program Dates:
Monday, July 7th – August 8th, 2025

Program Hours of Operation:
Breakfast (optional): 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Daily Instruction: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Dismissal: 3:30 pm

Program Location:
The School at Marygrove Elementary School
16661 Greenlawn St, Detroit, MI 48221

Youth Leadership Development Summer Program

Our Model

The BMEA Summer Program is a dynamic and impactful seasonal youth leadership training initiative designed to empower youth through a combination of academic enrichment, leadership development, and community engagement. This program provides students with the tools, resources, and experiences needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering pathways to future success.

During the Summer of 2024, six Black male teachers, each supported by three Black male high school mentors and an additional adult BMEA male staff member, created a nurturing and joyful classroom environment to allow the students to thrive.

Our young elementary students experienced love and care within the school building and achieved significant academic and social growth. These accomplishments were proudly displayed during the culminating exhibition day, where students showcased what they had learned to their family members and our BMEA community.

BMEA Summer Program

WHY IT MATTERS

95%

95% of our parents were highly engaged in our programming, attending Exhibition Day and orientations, and responding to outreach efforts, demonstrating strong community support for accessible summer learning opportunities.

20%

20%+ average increase across all grade levels on Math pre and post-assessments for Summer Program participants.

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Have questions about The BMEA Summer Program?
Click to Contact Program Director: Chris Waston

Program Details

Academic Enrichment: Strengthen proficiency in literacy, mathematics, and STEM through hands-on, engaging learning experiences that combat the summer learning gap and provide meaningful educational access during summer months.
Leadership Development: Cultivate critical leadership skills through intensive seasonal training such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to prepare students for success in school and beyond.
Social-Emotional Growth: Provide opportunities for self-reflection, confidence building, and emotional regulation to support overall well-being.
Exposure to Careers and Higher Education: Offer participants access to college tours, mentorship, and career exploration in teaching, STEM, and leadership fields.
Community Engagement: Encourage students to give back through service-learning projects that foster a sense of responsibility and belonging within their communities.

Academic Gains: Students demonstrate measurable improvement in literacy, math, and STEM skills, equipping them for success in the upcoming school year.
Leadership Growth: Participants develop key leadership abilities, including problem-solving, self-advocacy, and collaboration.
Social-Emotional Development: Students gain confidence, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of identity and purpose.
Career Readiness: Exposure to teaching, STEM, and other professional fields helps students envision and prepare for future opportunities.
Community Impact: Students leave the program with a deeper commitment to giving back, fostering a cycle of support and empowerment within their communities.

Academic Workshops: Engaging, project-based learning in literacy, math, and STEM, tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Leadership Training: Interactive sessions on public speaking, goal setting, and collaboration, empowering students to become confident leaders.
Mentorship: Participants are paired with mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights into education and career pathways.
Field Studies: Weekly outings to museums, colleges, and cultural sites to enhance learning and connected to projects that students are engaged in throughout the summer.
Community Service Projects: Hands-on opportunities for students to make a positive impact in their neighborhoods while learning the value of civic engagement.
College and Career Exploration: Visits to colleges, universities, and professional organizations to inspire future aspirations and provide insight into potential career paths.