Learn
Conferences
BCYF’s Conferences & Events initiative brings together staff, youth leaders, board members, and grantee partners to learn, connect, and represent Baltimore’s youth development ecosystem in both local and national spaces. These gatherings ensure Baltimore’s grassroots leaders and young people are present at the tables where ideas, policies, and practices are shaped — and that lessons from across the country flow back to strengthen our work here at home.
What You’ll Gain
- Access to innovation: Explore new strategies, models, and tools in youth development, philanthropy, and equity.
- Professional growth: In 2025, 100% of BCYF’s SXSW EDU delegation they gained new strategies they could apply right away.
- Stronger networks: 92% of Gathering attendees made new connections, and 100% of SXSW EDU participants reported building meaningful professional relationships.
- Youth-centered space: Nearly half of sessions at The Gathering 2025 are youth-led or youth co-facilitated, creating intergenerational learning environments.
- Shared learning: Every participant completes a Post-Conference Innovation Brief using “I used to think… Now I think…” to capture insights that are later published in BCYF Learning Reports.
Impact Highlights from past conferences and convenings
The Gathering 2024
- 82% rated their overall experience as excellent.
- 92% made new connections.
- 4.7/5 average rating for helping participants understand BCYF’s vision for Baltimore’s youth ecosystem.
SXSW EDU 2025
- 92% of BCYF’s delegation were first-time attendees.
- 100% gained actionable new strategies.
- 100% made meaningful professional connections.
- 75% expressed interest in presenting in 2026.
Opening Plenary 2025
- 81% said their knowledge advanced significantly.
- 91% were extremely likely to recommend the plenary.
- 96% rated overall satisfaction as high.
Together, these results show that BCYF’s conferences and convenings provide high-impact learning, strong networks, and visible leadership opportunities for Baltimore’s youth ecosystem.
How It Works
BCYF invests in local convenings, national conferences, and peer-city learning journeys to elevate Baltimore’s role in shaping the field of youth development.
- Local convenings like The Gathering and Roots & Reach Preconference create spaces where youth and community leaders co-design solutions and strengthen Baltimore’s ecosystem.
- Statewide convenings such as the Maryland Nonprofits Conference build Baltimore’s connections with peers across Maryland, expanding opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and shared learning across the state.
- National conferences such as SXSW EDU and the National Mentoring Summit connect our city to national innovations, advocacy, and best practices.
- Opening Plenaries take participants on immersive peer-city learning journeys to explore what works elsewhere and adapt it to Baltimore’s context.
Participation is more than attendance — it’s about bringing Baltimore’s voice into national conversations and bringing new knowledge back home to strengthen our Youth Master Plan.
Supports Available
We make participation accessible by providing:
- Registration (including meals provided by events).
- Stipends to offset missed wages, transportation, and child care.
- Travel and lodging for national conferences.
- A BCYF-hosted lunch at each event for connection and reflection.
- Prep sessions to ensure youth and leaders feel ready to engage.
Alignment with the Youth Master Plan
Conferences and convenings advance the Baltimore Youth Master Plan by:
- Amplifying Youth Leadership: Youth as presenters, co-designers, and decision-makers.
- Expanding Equity & Access: Removing barriers so everyone can participate.
- Building Capacity: Strengthening nonprofit infrastructure, leadership, and advocacy.
- Fostering Collaboration: Aligning local wisdom with national movements.
- Sharing Learnings: Each convening produces a Learning Report to capture insights and share them with the wider community.
Upcoming
BCYF Flagship Convenings
- The Gathering 2025: Roots & Reach — BCYF’s flagship convening, centering youth-led and community-driven sessions.
November 17, 2025 — Baltimore Marriott Waterfront — Registration opens Summer 2025 - Roots & Reach: The Gathering Preconference — A day of co-creation and intergenerational learning.
November 8, 2025 — Baltimore Unity Hall — Registration opens Summer 2025 - LAB: Baltimore — An intergenerational citywide learning day to define sustainability for Black and Brown grassroots organizations.
May 1, 2026 — Baltimore, MD
Opening Plenaries (Peer-City Learning Journeys)
- Opening Plenary: Harlem Children’s Zone — Immersive peer-city learning journey.
October 2025 — Harlem, NY - Opening Plenary: Oakland — Peer-city learning from Oakland’s Fund for Children & Youth.
March 2026 — Oakland, CA - Opening Plenary: Philadelphia Beverage Tax Model — Exploring sustainable youth funding strategies.
April 2026 — Philadelphia, PA
Conferences (External / National + Statewide)
- Maryland Nonprofits Conference — Local capacity building and statewide networking.
October 9, 2026 — Baltimore, MD - National Mentoring Summit — National advocacy and equity-driven mentoring practices.
February 4–6, 2026 — Washington, DC — Registration opens Fall 2025 - SXSW EDU — Innovation scanning and national visibility for youth development.
March 9–12, 2026 — Austin, TX — Registration opens Fall 2025
Voices from the Community
“I used to think conferences were just about listening. Now I think they’re about building power and connection — especially when we show up as BCYF together.”
— Youth Leader
“BCYF goes above and beyond to provide 360 support to its grantees. We have been so honored to be in the grantee circle and will miss this unmatched capacity-building support.”
— SXSW EDU 2025 Participant
Part of BCYF’s the learning lab: building skills, connection, and power for Baltimore’s youth ecosystem.
