Downtown Boxing Gym goes far beyond the ring with after school program

From left, Teacher Calvin Hobbs, works with fifth-graders Joya McCoy 10, right, and Emya Moore, 10, during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

Emanuel Smith, left, and other youth make kazoos in the STEAM Lab during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

Former student and now boxing coach Dorian Hogan, left, works with kids during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

From left, Teacher Calvin Hobbs, works with fifth-grader Joya McCoy 10, during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

From left, Associate Director of Culinary Arts Molly Mitchell makes guacamole with Health and Wellness Manager Shaquana Suggs during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024. The youth are fed fresh-made meals as part of the program.

DBG Health and Wellness Manager Shaquana Suggs makes guacamole at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

Kids work with heavy bags during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024. Boxing is a small part of the youth program with academics being the prime focus.

STEAM Lab coordinator Remi Napier, right, helps students make kazoos in the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

Ten-year-old Joya McCoy, right, stands in line as Associate Director of Culinary Arts Molly Mitchell, in black shirt, serves chicken tortilla soup, guacamole, chips and salad during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

Student Operations Manager Asiya El, right, teaches high school age students during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

Associate Director of Culinary Arts Molly Mitchell, in black shirt, serves just-made chicken tortilla soup, guacamole, chips and salad during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

Teacher Asiya El talks about teaching the high school students during the after school program at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024.

Downtown Boxing Gym Foundation Advancement Manager DeAnna Miller talks about the after school program at Detroit Boxing Gym in Detroit on January 29, 2024. At right is DGB executive and programs teams administrator Tia Talton.