About dbg
Our Mission
DBG establishes honest and equitable relationships with each student and family, identifies and co-develops a unique plan for student success, and assembles a comprehensive set of resources and supports based upon the individual needs of each child. While many similar programs implement a set strategy that is applied to every child in accordance with a set budget, DBG’s program is comprehensive and aligns investment with the shifting and particular needs of each child. Our focus on cultivating relationships and developing hyper-individualized social and educational action plans for each of our students has been critical to our success. As a result of our individualized, whole-child approach, DBG has maintained a 100% high school graduation rate since its inception, with 98% of our program graduates going on to pursue postsecondary education. Our present facility delimits enrollment to approximately 250 students and we are incredibly close to reaching maximum capacity. While we serve students from 41 zip codes across Detroit, greater Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, demand for access to our innovative programming has resulted in a waitlist that spans into the thousands
The Downtown Boxing Gym is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Every dollar contributed helps us grow our program and changes lives.
Our culture statements
Don't Ask Someone To Be Something You're Not Being
Each and every one of us is a role model. We all need to walk the walk and talk the talk
We Don't See Bad Kids; We See Kids Who Haven't Been Heard Yet
Everyone who walks through DBG’s door deserves to be seen and heard, and it is our responsibility to maintain a space where our community can let their guard down and be themselves. Ask questions, be curious, and always give the benefit of the doubt.
Focus on Why You Are Here, Not What You Will Get Out Of It
Now, more than ever, we are looking to our team and all of DBG’s supporters to make a deeper impact in the lives of the children we serve.
It's not just about you
We make decisions with our mission and students at the center, and we always remain humble.
Our impact
For almost two decades, DBG has built deep connections with students and their families, measuring our impact through annual evaluations and ongoing dialogue. This longitudinal approach allows us to understand each student’s unique journey – their challenges, opportunities, and dreams. By staying responsive to our community’s needs and adapting our support accordingly, we continue to evolve and scale our impact effectively. Every piece of data represents a real story, helping us strengthen the foundation of support we provide to each student in our community.
academic
100%
Graduation Rate
Since program inception in 2007
98%
Post-secondary Education Continuation
5.5+
Reading Levels
Average annual literacy gains
84%
Math Gains
Share of DBG students improving their math grades
social - emotional
+10%
Adaptability
Increase year-over-year in the ability to apply and adjust skills in difficult settings
+12%
Self-Efficacy
+14%
Sense of Agency
+11%
Self Regulation
parents & alumni
1,500
350+
Active alumni network
10
DBG’s Parent Committee
98%
of parents say DBG has a significant and lasting or positive impact on their child’s life
44%
reported a positive behavior change
Our out-of-school time program starts as early as 8 years old (3rd grade) with support continuing through adulthood. On average, a DBG student participates in programming for at least 7 years.
1 of 10 We provide 1:1 intervention in reading and math. This personalized support allows us to assess each student’s strengths and weaknesses holistically. A comprehensive understanding of where students are starting when they begin programming supports our ability to address deficits while reinforcing cardinal skills. 2 of 10 Beyond the core programming that happens during our operating hours, DBG identifies and provides basic needs support including but not limited to, emergency services and funds, access to financial literacy, toiletries and clothing. 3 of 10 So much of our success turns on our ability to ensure regular participation year over year (students commit to attending at least three days of programming per week). We have an active fleet of buses and vans that provide critical transportation to each student—picking them up at home/school and dropping them off at home safely each night. 4 of 10 Full sports sampling is offered to each student, culminating in three athletic seasons per year (Fall/Spring/Summer). Each season ends in a competitive tournament or showcase. Movement is a key part of our comprehensive approach to development and our athletics programming goes far beyond boxing, including everything from badminton to ballet. 5 of 10 To ensure a vibrant and sustainable transition to either post-secondary education or career, DBG begins preparing our students as early as third grade to identify what success looks like for them in a future career. By nurturing their passions and providing individualized workforce readiness training and experiences, we can ensure that each DBG student is able to achieve success as they see it. 6 of 10 At DBG, we take a holistic approach to wellness. Nutrition education, grocery budgeting, culinary and kitchen safety classes along with access to behavioral health supports confirm that our students have the foundational skills and social-emotional tools needed to live healthy lifestyles through adulthood. 7 of 10 Addressing food insecurity is a major component of DBG programming. When students have full bellies, they are more prepared to learn and grow. DBG provides locally sourced, scratch-cooked meals to each of our students in both the spring and summer. During the academic year alone, our kitchen staff prepares upwards of 500 balanced dinners and snacks per week. 8 of 10 Tutors are a central component of DBG programming and allow us to extend 1:1 support while expanding our students’ access to credible mentors. Tutors commit to supporting students at least once per week over a fifteen-week semester. 9 of 10 DBG is training the workforce of the future. By leveraging key partnerships to provide students with job shadowing and internship experiences we can ensure that each student is prepared to succeed in the professional world. 10 of 102007
Downtown Boxing Gym Founded
Khali Sweeney opens the Downtown Boxing Gym on Detroit’s east side, creating the type of safe, nurturing, empowering environment he wished he had as a kid. Our first location was in a former car wash on St. Aubin. Khali built the program from the ground up, then word of our mission began to spread and our team and supporters grew.
2011
DBG BECOMES A 501(c)(3) NONPROFIT
After witnessing the magic of DBG, Jessica Hauser puts her plans to pursue a PhD on hold and joins as Executive Director to help DBG grow. DBG earns its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
2015
OUR BIG MOVE TO E. VERNOR
With the help of generous partners and supporters, DBG purchases its 27,500 square foot building at 6445 E. Vernor Highway on Detroit’s east side and officially moves in. The building is a former bookbinding factory. Fitting, since our motto is books before boxing. Learn More.
2017
KHALI HONORED BY CNN HEROES
Our founder and CEO is honored by CNN Heroes and named a Top 10 finalist. Actor Sterling K. Brown presented Khali’s award and read this line, “We can rise from any place as long as someone is there to push, inspire and love enough not only to make us dream big dreams, but to knock down any barrier that stands in our way.” Learn More.
2019
PARTY TIME + OUR NEW LION LOGO
Our inaugural UnGala fundraiser, celebrating the joys of being a kid, is held at DBG. We also unveiled our new logo and icon, the DBG lion, representing our fierce support for Detroit students and intense family pride. Learn More.
2020
The greenest nonprofit
Our building undergoes a major overhaul with improvements like a new roof, 231 solar panels, insulation, a new HVAC system, and 38 energy-efficient windows. This sustainable project, made possible with the support of generous donors, helped cut our energy costs significantly. Learn More.
2021
new sports and learning complex
DBG gets a new outdoor Sports & Learning Complex generously donated by the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation. The complex includes a multi-sport court, learning pavilion, ice skating rink, raised bed gardens, and more. Learn More.
2023
NSF Grant + Library of Congress Literacy Award
DBG shines in the national spotlight with a major research grant and literacy award. The National Science Foundation (NSF) awards a $2 million grant to Purdue University and DBG for a five-year research study of DBG’s innovative STEM-based programming. The Library of Congress Literacy Awards honors DBG in Washington, D.C. with the “American Prize” for making a significant and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels in the U.S.
2024
‘DBG BUFFALO’ FIRST TO LICENSE DBG MODEL
After years of carefully evaluating and measuring elements of DBG’s award-winning youth development program that could be scaled and replicated, it was announced that a youth program in Buffalo, New York will be the first to license the DBG model. “From the moment I started DBG in 2007, it was always my vision to reach as many young people as possible in Detroit and around the world,” said DBG founder and CEO Khali Sweeney. This partnership is a win for all of us.” DBG Buffalo is slated to open in Summer 2025.
Growth Plan Overview
Every week, more Detroit families connect with us, ready to join a community where their children can thrive and reach for the stars – that’s why over 2,000 students are eager to be part of our village. These families recognize the power of coming together, of building something extraordinary for Detroit’s future. We’re growing to meet this momentum by expanding our campus with The Constellation – a new three-story, 22,000-square-foot space designed to be a beacon of possibility. Like the stars that guided our ancestors, this space will light the way for 500 more young dreamers through our state-of-the-art STEAM Lab, collaborative community spaces, and the DBG Academy. The Academy will become a center for sharing our proven approach, helping other communities create their own constellations of support. When you invest in DBG, you’re investing in the future – igniting new stars in our city’s constellation of excellence – and beyond.
Program Expansion
$20,000,000
Capacity Building
$12,000,000
Capital Expansion:
$10,000,000
Sustainability
$8,000,000
impact statements
our partners
The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation
Jeff Addison
Ally Charitable Foundation
Amazon
American Idea Foundation
AmeriHealth Caritas
Paul and Susan Anderson
The Ballmer Group
The Bear Hug Foundation
BFF Friendship Foundation
Chris and Mrs. Janice Billmeyer
CAPTRUST Community Foundation
Carhartt
The Carls Foundation
John and Joanne Carter
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
The Children’s Foundation
Co.act Detroit
Paulette Cole-Cooper
Comcast NBC Universal
Comerica Bank
Community Connections of NY, Inc.
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
ConAgra Foods
The Corey Law Firm
Daimler Truck North America
Del Bene Produce
Detroit Lions
Detroit Labs LLC
DICK’S Sporting Goods
Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation
Matthew and Jennifer Duffield
Eagles for Children, Inc.
Facebook
FACES for the Future Coalition
Peter and Courtney Fezzey
Flagstar Bank
Ford Motor Company
Ford STEM
Forgotten Harvest
Gale, Cengage Learning
Gardiner C. Vose, Inc.
General Motors Foundation
The Gilbane Foundation
Gilbert Family Foundation
The Holley Foundation
H.T. Ewald Foundation
Ilitch Charities
Impact100 Metro Detroit
I Support the Girls
ITC Transmission Company
J3 Advised Fund
Jamie & Denise Jacob Family Foundation
The Jewish Fund
Joel Jacob
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Jody and Glenn Kohner
KLA Corporation
KLA Foundation
The Kresge Foundation
Lear Corporation
Learning by Giving Foundation
Kristin and Bob Lenz
Library of Congress
Lighthouse Michigan
LoVasco Consulting Group
lululemon athletica
Marshall Mathers Foundation
MarxModa
The Derek and Shelaine Maxfield Family Foundation
McGraw-Hill
McGregor Fund
McLaren Health Plan
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Michigan Department of Education
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Michigan Health Endowment Fund
Microsoft
Ethel Molnar
David Moss and Sharon Mayone
National Science Foundation
NFL Foundation
Nike Community Impact Fund
Jacques Panis
The Pathways Foundation
John Perentesis
Peter Basso Associates
Tom and Jeanne Petzold
Stephen Luigi Piazza
PNC Foundation
William Poulos
PwC
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
The Ray of Light Foundation
Rehmann Foundation
Rite Aid Healthy Futures
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Rocket Community Fund
Rocket Family of Companies
The Wendell and Doris Rogers Foundation
Jim and Rose Ryan
Sara Ross
ROSSETTI
Russell Family Foundation
Salesforce
Sachse Construction
Schostak Brothers & Co.
Kurt and Deanna Schwarz and Family
Sephora USA, Inc.
Sewell Strong Foundation
Shamrock 555 Foundation
Sue Shanabrook
The Skillman Foundation
SlipNOT Safety Flooring
Stand Together Foundation
Stellantis
Sticky Be Apparels. LLC
David Streit
Subaru of America
Target Corporation
Bradley and Jennifer Taylor
Susan and Michael Taylor
Thomas Built Buses
Tides Foundation
The Tom Kowalski Foundation Inc.
Toni A. Wisne Foundation
The Trico Foundation
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Mike and Melissa Valenti
Walmart
Carol and Pete Walters
Walters Family Foundation
Wayne County
Nancy and Steve Wiley
World Wrestling Entertainment
Yield Giving
Young Woman’s Home Association
FAQs
The Downtown Boxing Gym was founded in 2007 by internationally recognized coach and youth mentor, Khali Sweeney. He opened the doors to our free, out-of-school time program with passion, purpose and a mission to help young people succeed.
Over the years, our team has grown to include our professional academic staff, volunteer tutors, coaches and others to provide the resources and educational opportunities our students need and deserve. Growing up, Khali didn’t have those things and he struggled.
He founded DBG to ensure students in and around the Detroit area have the support they need to learn, thrive and accomplish great things. We’re proud to have maintained a 100% high school graduation rate since 2007. At DBG, we train kids for life.
DBG has a capacity of 250 students, aged 8-18 from over 40 differents zip codes and over 50 schools, coming a minimum of 3x per week.
Additionally, DBG supports 350+ program alumni and 600+ students and families.
DBG is funded through generous donations from foundations, corporations and individual
donors in our local community and around the world. We are truly thankful for this support,
which helps to change young lives. If you’d like to learn more or make a donation, click here.
We know the demand for our services is great. We currently have a waiting list and we’re working hard to change that; when space opens up, we select students from our waiting list at random, with a priority given to family members of current DBG students and students who are already enrolled at the schools that are existing partners of DBG.
All incoming families sign a handbook that outlines our requirements and expectations for
successful participation in our program.
Some of the basics include:
- Students must be 8-18 years of age
- Have current report cards on file
- Attend our program a minimum of 3 days per week
- Align with DBG’s mission and cultural statements