About YDRC
Who We Are
The Youth Development Resource Center (YDRC) powers the ecosystem that supports young people across Metro Detroit. While direct investment in youth programs is essential, strong programs cannot scale and sustain impact without coordinated infrastructure, shared quality standards, aligned data systems, and supportive funding and policy structures. That is the role we play.
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Our Mission
YDRC's mission is to strengthen youth-serving organizations and align partners across Metro Detroit to improve youth outcomes and advance equitable, high-quality youth development opportunities.
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Our Vision
• An ecosystem rooted in equity
• Youth as co-designers of solutions
• Policy and funding systems that center on community wisdom
HOw We DO It
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Bringing youth-serving organizations, funders, intermediaries, and policymakers together to align priorities and strengthen collaboration across the ecosystem.
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Strengthening organizations through coaching, learning communities, and continuous quality improvement.
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Helping organizations measure impact, improve practice, and advocate for sustained investment.
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Advocating for the conditions that support long-term youth development.
Find out More
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YDRC Strategic Plan
YDRC’s strategic plan outlines our priorities and approach to strengthening youth-serving organizations and advancing equitable, high-quality youth development across Metro Detroit.
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YDRC Impact Report
Discover how YDRC is supporting organizations, building connections, and driving positive outcomes for youth across Metro Detroit in our latest Impact Report.
Impact On Young People
YDRC measures youth outcomes through the Holistic Student Assessment, identifying areas for continued growth such as trust, school bonding, and emotional regulation while demonstrating positive gains in key developmental skills among participating youth, including:
86%
POSITIVE CHANGE
In Critical Thinking
82%
POSITIVE CHANGE
In Action Orientation
81%
POSITIVE CHANGE
In Learning Interest
YDRC’s Network Is Growing
Our network includes hundreds of providers that are lifting up the benefits of youth development programming to improve youth outcomes.
210
Individuals*
Attended a YDRC training and convening
43
organizations*
Deeply engaged in a learning community
222
Organizations
Participated in at least one YDRC offering
*Data from Sept 2024-Sept 2025 (updated annually)
Our History
The Youth Development Resource Center has supported Detroit area youth-serving organizations since 2013. We began as a part of the Skillman Foundation’s Good Neighborhoods Initiative and later merged with the Initiative’s Youth Development Alliance.
Since our founding, we’ve continued to grow, refine and standardize practices to support a growing network of youth-serving partners in and around Detroit. In 2023, YDRC began a fiscal sponsorship relationship with Allied Media Projects, Inc.
Our PARTNERS & Funders
Supported By:
Fiscal Partners with:
