With the proper guidance, Baltimore’s young people possess the skills and knowledge to make positive contributions to their communities and the world. We must make sure that the basic needs of our region’s children and youth are fully met. They must have the support and services they need to thrive, from healthy development during infancy through their successful transition into adulthood. With the proper guidance, Baltimores young people possess the skills and knowledge to make positive contributions to their communities and the world. We must make sure that the basic needs of our regions children and youth are fully met. They must have the support and services they need to thrive, from healthy development during infancy through their successful transition into adulthood.

BCFs Youth Path focuses grants on:

• Making sure that children enter school ready to learn;
• Funding high quality programs that help our regions most vulnerable young people develop skills in the areas of academics, arts, and athletics;
• Creating opportunities for children and youth to cultivate civic responsibility and engagement in their communities;
• Ensuring that adults serving youth are well-trained, competent and caring;
• Connecting young people with college preparatory activities and workforce entry opportunities;
• Providing opportunities for out-of-school youth and adjudicated youth to re-enter the community and re-connect with school;
• Encouraging students, parents, and community members to speak out on issues related to children and youth;
• Sustaining public funding for child and youth development.

BCF invites all who share our vision for this region to join us and Invest in Baltimore. We believe that no one path leads to our common goal, but that by investing strategically in many paths we can create a Baltimore with a growing economy in which all have the opportunity to thrive. BCFs grantmaking is built around these nine paths, one of which is Youth.