Growth Never Graduates is a celebration of lifelong learning and a call to invest in the future of Detroit youth. At DBG, growth doesn’t end at graduation. It begins the moment a young person walks through our doors and continues through college, career, and community leadership. We measure and support the skill development in the areas that create long-term success.
We don’t chase outcomes. We build what creates them.
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Growing Forward
Ken always loved math. The clean logic of it. The way problems had answers if you worked long enough. She was good at it too—came in with a 3.4 GPA, the kind of kid teachers called “bright” and then moved on from, assuming she’d figure it out.
But at DBG, something different happened.
They didn’t just see a “good student.” They saw her. The way she lit up during problem-solving. The questions she asked when she felt safe enough to ask them.
Her learning plan that wasn’t about checking boxes—it was about unlocking capacity. Small-group tutoring where she could think out loud without judgment. Adults who knew her name, her story, her growing edges. High expectations, yes—but wrapped in the kind of relational trust that makes you want to rise to meet them.
Her GPA climbed to 3.8. But more than that, her vision of herself shifted.
Math wasn’t just her favorite subject anymore. It was hers. A space where she belonged. A field she could shape. A future she could see herself in—not as the exception, but as someone who was always supposed to be there.
Now KEN HAS RETURNED AS A STAFF MEMBER
Tutoring the next generation of students. Modeling the same mentorship she received. Proving that you don’t have to wait until you’ve “made it” to pour back into your community.
And while she’s building toward that future? She’s already living it. When she’s not at DBG she is working towards completing her degree in mathematics a Wayne State University.
She didn’t outgrow DBG. She grew up in it. And now—still growing herself—she’s growing it forward.
That’s the model. That’s the proof.
You become the village—even while you’re still becoming yourself.
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other ways to give
1
make a smart gift
Learn more about non-cash gifts that maximize the impact of your support while providing tax benefits for you! Popular smart gifts include donations of stock or mutual funds, cryptocurrency, real estate, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA (for those over age 70.5), and gifts from a donor-advised fund.
2
make a planned gift
1. Gifts in a will or trust – Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will or trust – for free!
2. Beneficiary Designations – Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.
3
double the donation
Many employers offer a donation matching program, which could increase or even double the impact of your gift.
Please click the button below to see if your employer has a matching gift program.