Learn
the learning lab
the learning lab is BCYF’s year-round professional learning journey — a reimagining of what a conference can be. Instead of a single day, it unfolds across 12 months, combining plenaries, breakout sessions, shared meals, field experiences, and a closing celebration.
It is designed with and for Baltimore’s grassroots and youth leaders, ensuring professional development is accessible, practical, and rooted in community wisdom.
The lab transforms a traditional conference into a year-long cycle:
- Conferences set the stage with The Gathering, national/state events, and immersive plenaries.
- Drop-In Sessions create accessible, one-time touchpoints for dialogue and training.
- #bcreds offer professional recognition through flexible, online credentials.
- Learning Circles provide deeper practice and peer exchange in cohort settings.
- Community Exhibition closes the year with a public showcase and collective celebration.
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Impact Highlights
- 95% of participants reported gaining new knowledge and skills.
- 91% said the lab fostered meaningful collaboration and dialogue.
- At SXSW EDU 2025, 100% built meaningful professional connections.
- At The Gathering 2024, 92% made new connections and 82% rated their experience Excellent.
- At the 2025 Community Exhibition, 91% reported new connections and 100% rated the event Excellent or Good.
Voices From the Community
- “BCYF goes above and beyond to provide 360 support to its grantees.” — SXSW EDU Participant
- “I left feeling inspired and hopeful. The conversations showed me Baltimore has the solutions. We just need to listen to youth and grassroots leaders.” — gather! Participant
- “This is what happens when we invest in grassroots leaders.” — Mayor Brandon Scott
Deliverables and Learning Reports
Every component of the lab produces tangible outcomes.
- Participants Reflect on insights.
- BCYF synthesizes reflections into Reports.
- Reports are Shared across the ecosystem.
- Leaders Apply strategies in their organizations and communities.
This cycle ensures learning flows back into Baltimore’s youth ecosystem and advances the Youth Master Plan.
2024 – 2025
This year’s theme, “In Sync,” underscores the importance of collaboration, alignment, and transformative impact—all of which are critical as Baltimore gears up to launch its first-ever Youth Master Plan (YMP), convened by the BCYF team.
2023 – 2024
In 2024, BCYF launched the learning lab around the theme “Our Story. Our Power.”, centering storytelling as a transformational tool for equity, connection, and change.
