History and Services

Since 2015, the Center has launched the Girls on Fire Mentoring, Enrichment, and Leadership programs to support minority girls ages 8–13, focusing on mentorship, self-esteem, confidence building, and leadership development.  In 2017, the Leadership Development Academy (LDA) was introduced for girls 14–17 to further develop leadership skills. During the pandemic in 2022, mental health support services were added for students.

Eighty-five percent of LDA alumni attend or have attended college, enrolling in institutions such as Baylor, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, University of Maryland, Towson, Morgan State, Hartford County Community College, Anne Arundel Community College, University of Pittsburgh, Stevenson, Howard County Community College, and Georgia State.

In 2023, the Center launched Boys Becoming Great Men (BBGM), offering mentoring and mental health support for boys ages 10–14.

To date, the Center has served over 400 youth in Baltimore City and Howard County.