For more than a decade, DBG Detroit has received requests from around the world to replicate our proven model. Our team has worked tirelessly to evaluate and measure elements of our program that could be scaled and replicated. Now, a youth program in Buffalo, New York will be the first to license the DBG model.
Kevin Kirby, a coach, personal trainer, and Buffalo-based real estate agent, first began emailing DBG in 2022 looking for better ways to support the young people he was training with academic and social-emotional learning. That inquiry led to a two-year-long series of meetings and discussions, an in-depth vetting process, and ultimately a licensing agreement to open DBG Buffalo in Summer 2025.
The program will be located at 1932 Niagara Street, the site of the historic Jubilee Branch library – the first stand-alone library in Buffalo – which dates back to 1915. DBG Buffalo is leasing the building, which has an attached gym space in the back. Renovations are currently underway.
“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. “We are excited to teach our methods, mindset, and approach to Kevin and his team and provide more students with the resources, mentorship and enrichment opportunities to succeed and achieve their dreams. This is a special partnership, an important milestone, and a win for all of us.”
For nearly 20 years, DBG has been a cornerstone to lasting impact in Detroit which, like Buffalo, has dealt with high levels of poverty and underperforming schools. Since its inception, 100% of participating DBG students have graduated from high school. Our program’s measurable success also includes 90% of DBG graduates pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Research shows that, on average, DBG students measure 25% higher than their peers globally in important social-emotional skills like self-efficacy and a sense of belonging. DBG, which also breaks down barriers like transportation, food insecurity and the digital divide, has been recognized for its impact by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Library of
Congress, and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
“I didn’t know how they did it. I didn’t know about the methodology. I didn’t realize the full impact of the program when I first reached out,” Kirby said. “After I met Khali and the DBG team and started learning about all DBG does, I fell in love with the program. I’m really proud we’re the first ones to license the model. I’m grateful and it’s a very meaningful opportunity to represent their brand and carry on their tradition of excellence.”
See renderings of the renovation plans below.
Kirby’s team includes Buffalo boxing icon “Baby” Joe Mesi, famous for his impressive 36-0 professional record.
“I look at life through the lens of a fighter. When Kevin and I visited DBG Detroit, I knew right away this was something I wanted to be part of,” Mesi said. “DBG looks at each student individually, helps them find their strengths and weaknesses, and trains kids to be fighters in life. I want to provide these opportunities to children in our community and there’s no better way to do that than what DBG has already successfully done. It’s incredibly impressive and I can’t tell you how happy I am to be part of this.”
DBG Buffalo is slated to launch in mid-July with summer programming and an initial cohort of approximately 25 students. Like Detroit, the Buffalo program will be free of charge.
“This partnership is a great fit because of the clearly identified need in Buffalo for a program like DBG, the fact that Kevin was already embedded there and working with kids, and the deep desire from a variety of stakeholders to bring a program to the community that provides choice and opportunity to the next generation,” said Jessica Hauser, DBG’s executive director. “We have developed a franchisee playbook that we’ll be executing. Members of our team will help support Kevin and his team – and there will be ongoing training around community partnerships, staffing, fundraising and more to ensure they hit the ground running.”
Licensing the program will also provide a source of earned revenue to fuel DBG’s growth in Southeast Michigan. Talks are underway with additional replication partners in Grand Rapids, Dallas, and other cities.
While the program takes shape in Buffalo, DBG Detroit is preparing to break ground on a new three-story 22,000 square-foot STEAM building on our flagship Detroit campus that will enable us to more than double the number of students and families served each year. Construction is set to begin in 2025.
