BCYF Brings Baltimore's Youth Leaders to SXSW EDU 2025, Strengthening Capacity Building & National Impact

BALTIMORE, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) successfully led a delegation of nonprofit leaders and youth advocates to SXSW EDU 2025, amplifying Baltimore's role in national conversations on education, youth development, and equity-driven innovation. BCYF's presence at SXSW EDU underscores its commitment to capacity building, ensuring that grassroots organizations have the tools, training, and networks needed to sustain long-term impact.

With 92% of participants attending SXSW EDU for the first time, BCYF's initiative provided a unique platform for grantees to engage with national thought leaders, exchange groundbreaking ideas, and explore how emerging technologies, including AI, can enhance community-based learning. As part of BCYF's dual investment approach, the organization not only provides grant funding but also equips youth-serving organizations with technical assistance, professional development, and collaborative learning opportunities—empowering them to strengthen Baltimore's youth development ecosystem.

"SXSW EDU was an energizing experience, bringing BCYF staff and grantees together to explore the latest innovations in teaching, learning, and youth development. I came away with fresh ideas for centering youth voices and a deeper understanding of how AI can be leveraged to support our work," said BCYF Executive Assistant to the President & Board Administrator, Emily Cory. "We left feeling even more curious than when we arrived, fueled by the inspiring sessions and the thrill of seeing so many fellow Baltimore voices—including BCYF grantees—sharing their insights on a national stage. We know the innovative work our grantees are doing deserves to shine, and we can't wait to see what they'll propose for next year's conference."

BCYF's strategic investment in technical assistance and professional development was evident at SXSW EDU, where grantees not only gained exposure to national best practices but also strengthened their leadership, advocacy, and sustainability strategies. By fostering connections and knowledge-sharing among leaders, BCYF helps organizations scale their work, increase sustainability, and better serve Baltimore's young people.

Key Takeaways & Impact from SXSW EDU:

• Strengthening Youth Advocacy: Youth-led discussions were among the most impactful sessions, reinforcing BCYF's commitment to amplifying young voices in education policy and programming.
• Youth Leadership & Diversity in Education: Nearly 50% of attendees identified Equity & Inclusion in Education and Youth-Led Initiatives & Advocacy as key focus areas.
• Professional Growth & Collaboration: 100% of BCYF's delegates reported gaining meaningful connections and new strategies applicable to their work, with 67% planning to collaborate with contacts made at the conference.
• Future Engagement: With 75% of attendees interested in submitting a proposal for SXSW EDU 2026, BCYF will provide workshops, coaching, and peer review sessions to support their participation in next year's conference.

Looking ahead, BCYF remains committed to investing in Baltimore's youth-focused organizations by ensuring they have access to national platforms that elevate their expertise, expand their networks, and drive meaningful change. As the organization prepares for SXSW EDU 2026, its focus will include:

• Supporting grantees in proposal development for national conferences
• Strengthening arts-based workforce strategies
• Advocating for greater inclusion of Latino youth-serving programs

By continuing to prioritize both financial investment and capacity-building initiatives, BCYF is equipping grassroots organizations with the resources, training, and exposure they need to create lasting impact in Baltimore and beyond.

For more information about the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund, please visit bcyfund.org. For media inquiries, please contact Simone Blackman at [email protected].

About the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund:

Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) builds partnerships that support the ecosystem focused on opportunities for Baltimore youth by providing support to leaders and organizations. The effort to create a dedicated fund to support programs for Baltimore's young people was launched in 2015 by then-City Council President Bernard "Jack" C. Young — a response to the unrest in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody, an event that sharply illuminated longstanding inequities in public funding in Black communities. Supported by Baltimore City residents' tax dollars, since 2020 BCYF has awarded over $31M to Baltimore programs serving children and youth.

Media Contact:
Simone Blackman
[email protected]
301-802-8727

SOURCE Baltimore Children & Youth Fund