Strengthening BIPOC leaders who power youth development across metro-Detroit.

Applications for the 2026-2027 Cohort are now open.
Join a cohort of emerging BIPOC professionals committed to strengthening their leadership, expanding their networks, and advancing positive outcomes for young people across Southeast Michigan.

Applications are open through July 15, 2026.

Apply Now

Our Purpose

The 2026 Equity Accelerator for Youth Development cohort is a ten-month (Aug-May) leadership experience designed for BIPOC professionals (directors, managers, coordinators, etc.) in youth-serving nonprofits. Through interactive learning labs, mentorship, and a cohort-driven capstone, participants will build community, strengthen their leadership identity, and gain practical tools in trauma-informed care, data and impact, and youth voice.

What the Equity Accelerator Offers

  • Learning Labs

    led by experienced facilitators that build leadership skills and deepen reflective practice

  • Intentional Community Building

    that nurtures trust, connection, and collective growth

  • One-on-One Mentorship

    with executive directors and senior leaders in youth development

  • A Collaborative Capstone Project

    where cohort members apply their learning to a shared initiative

2025-26 Equity Accelerator Impact

  • 100%

    Program Retention Rate

  • 6+

    1:1
    Mentorship Hours

  • 18+

    Professional Development Hours

  • 6+

    Hours of Community Building

  • 10+

    Capstone Project Planning Hours

Who Should Apply

Leaders of youth-serving nonprofit organizations in the Metro Detroit area who identify as:

  • Representative Leadership

    The program prioritizes leaders whose identities and experiences reflect the diverse communities of Metro Detroit.

  • Direct-service, front-line, program leaders

    (Program Directors, Managers, Coordinators, Coaches, etc.)

  • Individuals who have an interest in leading

    with confidence, aligning purpose with practice, and contributing to systemic change in youth development.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The EAYD is designed explicitly for BIPOC leaders and staff. We would be happy to connect you with additional resources that may serve you.

  • The EAYD is designed for direct-service leaders who work with youth. We may explore this based on what your title and role is within the organization.

  • No, unfortunately, one of the goals of the accelerator is to build community and a strong sense of belonging amongst cohort members. We have further instructions for the allowance of being absent from cohort meetings for those accepted into the program.

  • The selection committee consists of YDRC’s staff, coaches, trainers, and a group of peers who serve on the Steering Committee. For more information about the Equity Accelerator: please email Kiylise at kiylise@detroitydrc.org.

Meet oUr Cohorts

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Facilitators 2025

Monica Marie Jones

Terry Whitfield

Shamyle Dobbs

Yolanda Scarborough

Gerrard Allen

Erica Jeffries

Mentors 2025

Nicole Webster
(2024 Cohort)

Emily Parks
(2024 Cohort)

Tiffany Brown
(2023 Cohort)

Alyce Hartman
(2022 Cohort)

Program Organizers

Kiylise Lowe

Program Consultant

Elizabeth Stewart

Program Associate: Network Engagement and Advocacy

Outcomes & Collaborations

  • Freedom to Share

    "One thing I enjoyed the most was the freedom we were given to share, problem-solve together, and thought-partner"

  • Greater Understanding

    “I gained a more detailed understanding of the plight of BIPOC leaders and what overcoming barriers is going to require: advocacy; getting in the right rooms; diligence and not being afraid to ask for what you need and deserve as a qualified leader!"

  • Financial Impact

    "The stipend will tremendously impact my work... Funds will go towards creating an SEL space in our classroom... and also be used to purchase art supplies for our enrichment activities."

  • New Partnerships

    "I plan to collaborate with [EAYD cohort members] on projects and... follow up with them"

  • Stronger Advocacy Skills

    "I am hopeful and looking forward to strengthening my advocacy skills, communication and delivery when talking to and meeting with the organization, funders, and future partners."

  • Community Belonging

    “The most memorable part of the Accelerator experience was the relationship and networking that took place between the cohort and the facilitators. I have already begun to leverage those relationships to create partnerships for programming and future opportunities.”

  • Collaborative Leadership

    The most memorable part was everything, I never experienced a more engaging experience with people of color just like me. Learning new information and feeling like I had a voice. With my cohort I felt very accepted and learned that we all are going through the same challenges.

  • Holistic Approach

    I really enjoyed the monthly sessions with the different experts. Each session included valuable content that can be used within the organization. Those sessions gave a holistic approach to leadership, nonprofit management, community and funding.

  • Equitable Collaboration

    The collaborative group project - which helped us in all ensuring an equitable experience for all participating members has been a highlight of the program.

  • Storytelling Skills

    “The storytelling session has been most valuable because I had never done one previously, so I always struggle with how to put my story together.”

  • Storytelling Confidence

    “The Telling your story session has been the most valuable because it gave me steps to being able to tell my story to gain support for my cause.”

  • Powerful Storytelling

    “The most valuable workshop was learning to share my story. Realizing the power in my story and sharing it.”

  • Build on Experiences

    “Grants with Tiwanna & Telling your story with Tammy have both been the most valuable sessions because both sessions allowed for us to build on our experiences”

  • Impact Confidence

    “I feel more confident, not just in doing my work, but in talking about the larger impact of what I do.”

  • Authentic Community

    “I am gaining community here and it feels authentic.”

  • Personal Vision

    “While I was already familiar with theory of change I had not considered that I needed one of my own for my life. Having that activity and being able to revisit it from time to time, I know will be supportive.”

  • Unique Paths

    “I have learned that even people who have ended up at the same destination have often taken different paths to get there. There is no roadmap; you simply have to do what works for you and take advantage of opportunities as they come.“

  • Peer Learning

    “I've enjoyed having access to my peers as emerging professionals and our learning lab facilitators as seasoned professionals.”

Apply to the upcoming cohort

The application process for the 2025 Cohort is closed. 

To stay in touch and be alerted to the next cohort, complete the form with a few details about yourself.