DBG Detroit
DBG’s transformative mentorship, individualized academic plans, and measured impact are setting the standard. We are working hard to change broken systems and provide a brighter future. And our academic impact is just a small piece of the real transformative work we do.
Asia Williams was all smiles during her graduation ceremony from the School of Architecture at University of Detroit Mercy. This is the third time she has graduated in recent years – first from Detroit’s Cass Technical High School in 2019, then from U of D Mercy with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Now, the DBG alum has her Master’s of Architecture, a professional degree fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and big plans for the future.
Her master’s thesis focused on incorporating youth voice in architecture and design with a special emphasis on development in Detroit’s neighborhoods. Her research included a number of workshops conducted with DBG students. On the eve of graduation, Asia was presented with the prestigious Grace Lee Boggs Social Justice Architecture Award.
“DBG inspired this entire journey for me. I am where I am today because of Downtown Boxing Gym. I love the connections they gave me and the mentorship they provided me throughout my high school and college years and I am very grateful. I’m excited to get my license and get out and make changes in my community and the world.”
Financials
Programs
STEAM
At DBG, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) is ingrained in everything we do. We also have a dedicated STEAM Lab that’s making a powerful impact. The National Science Foundation is supporting a $2 million, 5-year collaborative study between Purdue University and the DBG study to further evaluate, measure, and magnify the far-reaching impact of DBG’s innovative STEM-based programming.
Every weekday, elementary through high school students opt in to participate in a variety of classes in the DBG STEAM Lab – studying everything from computer coding, robotics, and digital animation, to insects, weather patterns, animal life cycles, and more. Researchers want to learn what inspires students to enthusiastically “opt in” and how DBG’s holistic approach, which incorporates student voice in programming decisions, creates opportunities for student engagement.
Books Before Boxing (B3)
In the fall, students complete literacy and math assessments to determine their proficiency. From October through May, they receive one-on-one, level-appropriate instruction that addresses gaps and boosts academic confidence. All students will participate in weekly B3 sessions, with increased frequency for those below grade level and reduced for those at or above. Participation is required for all students to promote reaching their full potential, beyond standard grade-level expectations.
Health & Wellness
All DBG students receive a nutritious, from-scratch snack and dinner during programming. As much of our food as possible comes from local farmers and vendors, and in many cases from our own garden. Dinner every night is served family style to build community connection. Our students participate in food preparation and garden maintenance and learn from guest chefs from across Detroit.
Enrichment
In our Learning Lab, DBG students explore project-based learning in topics ranging from graphic design to trombone. All of the topics we choose to explore in enrichment are the result of student choice and direct feedback.
Volunteering + Events
Volunteer at DBG
DBG works with volunteers every day to facilitate literacy and math intervention, homework help, college & career readiness, and athletics and enrichment. We ask volunteers to commit to at least one session per week for a semester, and some opportunities are virtual!
Holiday Celebration
Every year, we throw a winter holiday party and distribute warm clothes and gifts to every student. We welcome volunteers to help us sort and pack in preparation for the celebration!