learn
Opening Plenaries: Oakland
As part of the Baltimore Youth Master Plan, BCYF will host an immersive Opening Plenary in Oakland, CA to learn from the youth development ecosystem in Oakland.
This peer-city exchange brings Baltimore youth leaders, grantee partners, and community stakeholders together with Oakland leaders to explore how a city-led funding model sustains equity-driven youth development.
Through site visits, reflections, and intergenerational dialogue, participants will gather insights that directly inform Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan, grounding our work in both local wisdom and national best practices.
*We’ll publish a Learning Report after every conference, sharing what youth and community members said, what they learned, and how that learning turns into real actions for Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan.
Who It’s For
Intergenerational leaders from BCYF grantee partner organizations will create our researcher team.
Event Details
- Date: Week of March 23, 2026
- Location: Oakland, CA
- Format: In-person, site visits and facilitated reflection sessions
- Cost/Registration Info: Travel, lodging, and meals are covered costs. Additionally, stipends for youth participants will be provided.
Impact from Past Events
At Opening Plenary 2024 (Legacy Sites, Montgomery, AL):
- 81% said their knowledge advanced significantly.
- 91% were extremely likely to recommend the plenary.
- 96% reported overall satisfaction.
“The sessions gave us actionable strategies to embed cultural responsiveness in all aspects of our work.”
— Plenary Participant
Contact & Social
Contact: info@bcyfund.org
What You’ll Gain
- Clarity: Understand how Oakland’s city-led fund sustains long-term investment in youth organizations.
- Connection: Build relationships with Oakland leaders and peers in Baltimore’s delegation.
- Inspiration: Learn proven models of governance, accountability, and equity in funding youth development.
- Momentum: Bring back actionable ideas and “take-home actions” to strengthen Baltimore’s funding strategies.
Agenda Snapshot
Participants will start with Day 1 orientation, grounding the group in purpose and building connections across the delegation. Over Days 2–3, site visits with community partners will bring lessons to life, offering firsthand insight into how youth development and equity-driven strategies are being practiced on the ground.
Speakers / Facilitators
Oakland hosts will include fund administrators, community-based organizations, and government partners. Full list to be announced.
Supports Available
- Youth stipends
- Transportation, lodging, and meals
- Documentation and creative capture supports (reflection guides, art supplies, media kits)
