Reimagining the Future: BGCSM’s Project Moonshot Summit Sets a New Standard in Youth Development
Reimagining the Future: BGCSM’s Project Moonshot Summit Sets a New Standard in Youth Development
The Reimagine Summit: Project Moonshot, hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM), served as a beacon of innovation in youth development, drawing over 20 Boys & Girls Clubs from across the nation to Detroit. Leaders from these clubs came to learn firsthand how BGCSM has transformed itself from a struggling organization into a national model for success. Once $5 million in debt, BGCSM is now leading the charge in reimagining youth programming through bold strategies and innovative approaches. The summit was more than a gathering—it was a showcase of how rethinking traditional models can create lasting, transformational change, and it solidified BGCSM’s role as a trailblazer in setting a new standard for what’s possible in youth empowerment.
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Innovation
On Sunday, August 4th, the summit kicked off with an engaging opening at the Henry Ford Health Pistons Performance Center. The evening began with a lively networking session and light dinner, featuring DJ music and visuals that showcased the summit and sponsor logos. Attendees were warmly greeted by Sterling Littlejohn from the Pistons, setting the stage for an inspiring event.
Highlights from day one included a spirited welcome cheer by the BGCS Lions cheerleaders, a powerful spoken word performance by Jessica Care Moore, and an inspiring presentation from BGCSM President & CEO Shawn H. Wilson on BGCSM’s Reimagine Journey. The evening concluded with a panel discussion titled "How to Identify and Maximize Early Adopters," moderated by Shawn H. Wilson. The panel featured industry leaders such as Jenee Joseph, Tomilia Terry Carpenter, Tiffany Sula, and Chris Kyles, who shared their insights on strategic partnerships and the importance of innovative approaches in youth development.
Day 2: Deep Dive into Transformational Change
Monday, August 5th, was dedicated to exploring the transformative strategies that have positioned BGCSM as a leader in youth development. The began with a powerful panel discussion moderated by Nia Batts, setting the stage for a day centered on innovation and transformational change. The panel, “The Future of Workforce Tech & Mobility,” featured Michigan Central CEO Josh Sirefman, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and Johnnie Turnage as they reached into how technology and mobility can prepare youth for future careers. The presence of BGCSM members and youth participants added a vibrant energy to the discussions, emphasizing the real-world impact of BGCSM’s programs.
Following this, Shri Thanedar, a representative for Michigan, addressed attendees, highlighting the state’s commitment to innovation and community-driven change.
Another standout session, “Building Win-Win Ecosystems,” explored the creation of collaborative environments that benefit both youth and the broader community. The panel featured industry leaders such as Tori Nichel, Sharryl Cross, Letty Azar from Penske, and Jen Guarino from ISAIC, who shared their experiences in fostering partnerships that make a real difference in youth development.
Attendees were also treated to presentations from BGCSM’s Industry Clubs, including the Culinary Quest App demonstration and a vibrant Fashion Industry Club Fashion Show. These sessions showcased the tangible impact of BGCSM's programs, with youth participants displaying the skills they’ve developed through these innovative initiatives.
Following the panels, participants were divided into groups for exclusive tours of BGCSM Clubs, including the Dauch, Diehl, and Newlab locations. These visits offered a firsthand look at how BGCSM is reimagining after-school programming and youth development. During these tours, attendees also saw the Sean Anderson Foundation Production Studio inside BGCSM. The studio is a key resource for empowering youth through creative and media arts, further underscoring BGCSM’s commitment to providing innovative, real-world opportunities for its members.
After the tours, Devin Murphy led a session titled, “Breaking the Cycle: Youth Poverty, Racism, & Economic Mobility,” which featured an interactive discussion and tabletop activity focused on addressing systemic barriers and empowering youth to overcome challenges.
Tiffany Abrego continued the conversation with the "Intersection of Racism, Trauma, & Poverty." This session focused on understanding how these systemic issues intertwine and affect youth and communities. Tiffany’s presentation highlighted the importance of addressing these factors holistically to create environments where all young people can thrive.
The day concluded with the "Dare to Disrupt: Bold Moves for Bold Impact" panel, with Archie Jones, Shawn Wilson, Hiram Jackson, and Rod Hardamon sharing their insights on driving transformative change through bold, innovative strategies. The session emphasized the need for fearless leadership in tackling youth poverty and reimagining traditional approaches to community development.
Day 3: Collaboration for a Collective Impact
Tuesday, August 6th, was dedicated to fostering collaboration and planning. The day began with the Collective Moonshot session, led by Archie Jones, he discussed the importance of setting ambitious goals and working together to achieve them. This session underscored the significance of collaboration in achieving the summit’s goal of halving youth poverty by 2050.
A powerful highlight of the day was the Impact of Poverty Data Walk, a session that visually presented the stark realities of youth poverty. This interactive walk engaged participants on a personal level, driving home the urgency of the mission and setting the tone for the day's discussions.
Following the Poverty Data Walk, which highlighted the urgency of addressing youth poverty, the "Measuring Your Moonshot: Transformational vs. Transactional Impact" session, led by Kelly Fitzsimmons and Matt Hillard from Project Evident, shifted the focus to practical strategies for measuring long-term success. This discussion highlighted the importance of tracking meaningful outcomes that drive lasting change, reinforcing the summit’s commitment to transformative approaches in youth development.
The day also featured the “Funding the Moonshot” panel, which included insights from key partners such as Balmer Group, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, and Bridgespan. These discussions provided attendees with strategic insights into leveraging resources and building sustainable funding models to support youth development.
The summit concluded with the "Operationalizing Your Moonshot" activity, led by Shawn H. Wilson, which brought the entire event full circle. Participants engaged in a dynamic "Keep, Toss, Create" exercise, solidifying their takeaways into practical strategies for immediate implementation. This final session embodied the essence of the summit, ensuring that everyone left with a clear, actionable roadmap designed to drive transformational change in their communities. As the last event of the Reimagine Summit, it marked not just an end but a beginning—where visionary ideas meet real-world action!
Join the Movement: Cohorts for Change
We are excited to announce the launch of a special cohort program, inviting organizations to join us in adopting and implementing our proven model over the next year. This program is designed to foster real, transformational impact on youth poverty and economic mobility, building on the strategies and insights shared during the summit.
Our Moonshot: Collective Ecosystem Building
Our Moonshot goal is ambitious: to halve youth poverty by 2050. But we know that this goal is achievable through the collective building of a robust ecosystem. The summit emphasized the importance of collaboration and the power of a unified approach. Together, we can create the future we envision for our youth.
A Sincere Thank You to Our Supporters
We sincerely thank all our supporters, partners, funders, and board members, whether you were with us in person or cheering us on from afar. We’re especially grateful to Altria, Thomas and Karen Falk, and BGCA for making this summit a reality.
Big appreciation goes out to those who have been pivotal in bringing the Reimagine Summit: Project Moonshot to life. The Balmer Group’s steadfast belief in our vision has been invaluable, and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation’s dedication to youth empowerment has driven real change. Tori Nichel’s leadership in fashion and youth development continues to inspire, and Bridgespan’s strategic insights have kept us moving forward. We’re truly thankful for everything you’ve contributed.
Your belief in our mission has been essential to our growth and success. With your support, we’ve reimagined what’s possible for the youth of Southeastern Michigan, and we couldn’t be more grateful.