As we hit the midpoint of 2024, BBAY is bustling with new initiatives and expanding programs that bolster their ongoing efforts to serve the youth of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. Announced earlier this week, BBAY has bagged the After-school Community Learning Grant for the period of 2024-2026. This grant is set to introduce Culturally Responsive Tutoring, expand the Youth OnBoard initiative, and support Affinity Spaces. BBAY's latest team member is Tristan Yang, who takes on the vital role of tutoring coordinator.

With the after-school program kicking off this July, BBAY aims to partner with four local schools to provide crucial programming for the youth. In an attempt to heighten its appeal and relevance, BBAY is also rolling out a reimagined logo, signifying the third year of its Reimagine Black Youth Mental Health initiative. This program has notably provided experiences such as attending sports events and cultural productions for young participants. It gears up for another surge in engagement with an upcoming Youth Summit slated for August 30th and the addition of MSW intern Christiana, who is focusing on policy changes within the initiative.

Furthermore, the Free College Campaign is gaining momentum through BBAY's commitment to informing residents about the North Star Promise Scholarship. With an extensive outreach campaign in full swing, the BBAY team has connected with nearly 1,000 locals to spread awareness about tuition-free educational opportunities. Yuridia joins the fray as the latest Youth Ambassador to support this educational crusade.

Complementing its lineup of forthcoming endeavors, the 2024 Youth Data Squad is on the verge of completing this summer's Youth-to-Youth Survey. The survey is strategically designed to grasp a deeper understanding of youth perspectives on well-being and safety. BBAY has recruited former intern Angel Young as the Youth Data Squad Specialist, an integral component in harnessing key insights from the survey data.