What are the dates of the program?

Monday, July 7th – Friday, August 8th, 2025.

Is there a cost to attend?

No, there is no cost for our program.

What grade level must my son be in?

Your son must be entering the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grade for the 2025-26 school year.

Is breakfast and lunch provided?

Yes, we provide both breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is offered during Before Care which is from 8:00 am – 9:00 am. Lunch is offered during the lunchtime.

Is attendance expected daily? What if I have a trip planned?

Scholars are expected to attend the Summer Program each day, Monday – Friday. Because we are a grant-funded program, we are required to maintain daily attendance numbers. Due to the limited amount of days we have together, to maximize on impact, students will be expected to maintain an attendance rate of 90% or higher.

THE BMEA Youth Leadership Summer Program

About Our Program

Serving 500 students (boys and girls) entering 1st–7th grades, the BMEA Summer Program is a continuum of our year-round Youth Leadership Development Program designed to create equitable educational opportunities during the critical summer months.

Students are supported by Black male high school mentors and caring educators as part of an intergenerational model that centers academic growth, leadership development, and identity affirmation. Working collaboratively with education leaders, teachers, and teen mentors, we provide a comprehensive learning experience that includes academic skill-building, mathematics support, social-emotional learning, and cultural and identity development.

Apply Today

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Dates and Locations

Program Dates:
Monday, July 6th – August 7th, 2026

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 #1:
The School at Marygrove Elementary School
16661 Greenlawn St, Detroit, MI 48221

Program Location #2 will be co-ed and will be announced soon!

Information Sessions

We will host 3 information sessions:

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 @ 5pm (Virtual)

Thursday, March 19, 2026 @ 5pm (In-person)

Thursday, April 30, 2026 @ 5pm (In-person)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR AN INFORMATION SESSION

The BMEA Summer Program

Our Model

The BMEA Summer Program is a dynamic, high-impact youth leadership initiative designed to empower students through academic enrichment, leadership development, and community engagement. The program equips participants with the tools, resources, and experiences needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering pathways to long-term success.

During the summer program, classrooms are led by experienced educators and supported by Black male high school mentors and BMEA staff who help create nurturing, joyful, and affirming learning environments where students can thrive.

Students experience consistent care and high expectations throughout the program, culminating in an exhibition day where they proudly showcase their learning and growth to family members and the broader BMEA community.

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.