This year, the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) made waves at SXSW EDU 2025, bringing together a delegation of nonprofit leaders, youth advocates, and changemakers to engage in national conversations on education, youth development, and equity-driven innovation. BCYF’s presence reinforced its commitment to capacity building, ensuring that Baltimore’s grassroots organizations have access to the tools, training, and networks needed to create lasting change.
“SXSW EDU was an energizing experience, bringing BCYF staff and grantees together to explore the latest innovations in teaching, learning, and youth development,” said Emily Cory, BCYF Executive Assistant to the President & Board Administrator. “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. 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.”
Why SXSW EDU Matters for Baltimore’s Youth Leaders
For 92% of BCYF participants, SXSW EDU 2025 was their first time attending, offering a transformative opportunity to exchange ideas with national thought leaders, explore innovative solutions, and gain insights into emerging technologies—such as AI—to enhance community-based learning. More than just an educational conference, SXSW EDU served as a platform for Baltimore’s youth development ecosystem to be recognized on a national stage.
“The ‘AI, Education & Real Classrooms’ session at SXSW EDU 2025 was an invaluable experience that opened our eyes to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education. Hearing from educators and tech specialists who are already integrating AI into their communities gave us the tools and knowledge to bring this technology back to our programs,” said Alysia Lee, President & CEO of BCYF. “After the session, we now have a clearer understanding of how AI can drive measurable learning, solve challenges, and better equip our youth for the future workforce. This session will help us develop more innovative, tech-savvy programs that ensure our youth are not just consumers of technology, but active participants in shaping its impact on their learning and communities.”
Key Takeaways & Impact from SXSW EDU
BCYF’s grantee participants at SXSW EDU highlighted a number of key takeaways from their experience at the convention.
- Strengthening youth advocacy – Youth-led discussions were among the most impactful sessions, reinforcing BCYF’s mission to amplify 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 is stepping up by providing workshops, coaching, and peer review sessions to support their participation in next year’s conference.
Through sessions like ‘Reinventing High School for the 21st Century & Beyond,’ the importance of diversity and inclusion within youth programs was a key takeaway for many grantees, further reinforcing BCYF’s upcoming plan for stronger advocacy for Latino youth-serving programs.
“Attending SXSW EDU through BCYF’s support was an eye-opening experience that provided us with innovative strategies to better serve Black and Latino youth. Jamie’s session reinforced the importance of career-connected learning and early exposure to opportunities that align with students’ unique talents and aspirations,” said Dinorah Olmos, the Founder of the Latino Education Advancement Fund (LEAF). “We gained valuable insights on culturally responsive education, creative youth engagement, and building strong career pathways that ensure our youth have the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to pursue fulfilling careers. Bringing these lessons back to our programs allows us to create even more inclusive, inspiring, and impactful opportunities—ensuring our youth see themselves reflected in the future they’re building.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities for Baltimore’s Youth
BCYF is not stopping here. Moving forward, the organization will focus on:
- Supporting grantees in proposal development for national conferences like SXSW EDU.
- Strengthening arts-based workforce strategies to create more career pathways for Baltimore’s youth.
- Advocating for greater inclusion of Latino youth-serving programs in education and youth development conversations.
By continuing to prioritize both financial investment and capacity-building initiatives, BCYF is ensuring that Baltimore’s youth-focused organizations have the resources, training, and national exposure they need to thrive.
As we gear up for SXSW EDU 2026, we invite Baltimore’s youth leaders, educators, and advocates to join us in this movement. Let’s continue pushing for innovation, equity, and real change—because when we invest in our young people, we invest in the future of Baltimore.
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