“I don’t have words to express this experience. We would like to do something like this in our communities. You’re doing this from scratch.” Those are the words of Alejandro Godinez, a 51-year-old soccer coach from Nicaragua. He’s just one of twenty-two coaches and athletic professionals from Nicaragua and South

Not many people can say they beat a celebrity in chess, but Renee Canty has bragging rights for winning an intense chess match against Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley at just 15 years old. That takes guts, brains, and strategic thinking – all strengths Renee possesses. “When I first came here

The flame of a successful future burns bright with Matthew Chambers. The University Preparatory Academy graduate joined DBG in 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic – a tumultuous time for students when attending school often meant logging into an online virtual classroom. At that same time, DBG extended

In her seven plus years at the Downtown Boxing Gym, Ken Cain has truly made a mark – as a diligent student, a leader among her peers, a talented artist, and even a member of the DBG staff. At the young age of 15, Ken got her first-ever job as

It’s startling but true. Studies show more than half of Michigan’s third-grade students can not read at their grade level. The numbers are even more alarming for students in urban communities like Detroit. That’s unacceptable. And we’re doing something to change it. Every week at DBG, our staff, tutors, mentors

The COVID-19 pandemic gave us all an up-close and personal look at the importance of public health which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines as “the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.” Now, more than a dozen DBG students are learning about

2022 is a big year for the Downtown Boxing Gym. It’s our 15th anniversary! We’re celebrating 15 years of student achievement and building one of the nation’s leading out-of-school time programs from the ground up. If you’re new to DBG, we provide a free academic and athletic program that serves

Red and white balloons, the Polish flag, Paczkis (deep fried dough with fruit or cream filling) and other Polish treats set the scene at the Downtown Boxing Gym where a sendoff celebration took place for an ambitious DBG grad with big dreams. Asia Williams, a junior at the University of

The sights, sounds and flavors of African culture filled the Downtown Boxing Gym during a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on January 17. Our students broke up into groups and took turns learning about drumming and dance, martial arts, and the delicious aromas and spices of African cuisine.

The newly renovated space – featuring a multi-sport turf field and more – will provide a host of athletic and learning opportunities for Detroit students all year round. Freshly laid turf, a multi-sport playing field, a learning pavilion, ice rink, fire pits and more, are all part of a newly