The Baltimore City Council's Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee meeting on March 27, 2025, highlighted significant strides in capacity building for youth development, emphasizing the importance of sustained support for local organizations. The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) presented its initiatives aimed at empowering grassroots organizations, particularly those led by Black and Brown individuals, to thrive and create lasting change in the community.

A key focus of the meeting was the need for continuous capacity building, which was described as essential for the long-term success of youth programs. BCYF representatives shared insights from a recent trip to New Orleans, where they learned about effective strategies for engaging young people and fostering collaboration among various sectors. This experience was described as transformative, igniting a renewed commitment to strengthen partnerships back in Baltimore.

BCYF's approach includes a dual investment strategy that combines direct grants with comprehensive training and resources. They reported that their technical assistance program has significantly increased the likelihood of grant applicants securing funding, with a fivefold increase in success rates for those who received support. Additionally, the organization has made efforts to eliminate barriers to participation by providing free childcare, meals, and transportation vouchers during their events.

The meeting also announced an upcoming community exhibition on June 3, which will showcase the outcomes of BCYF's Learning Lab program. This event aims to engage the community and demonstrate how investments in capacity building are enhancing the youth development ecosystem in Baltimore. The BCYF is preparing to launch the city's first Youth Master Plan, which aims to serve as a practical roadmap for addressing the needs of young people in Baltimore.

Council members expressed gratitude for BCYF's efforts and acknowledged the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful outcomes for the city's youth. The meeting concluded with a call to action for community members to support the initiatives that aim to provide every young person in Baltimore with access to opportunities and the power to lead.