Detroit’s Future Shines Bright – 40 Years of Boys Hope Girls Hope!

A nonprofit dedicated to helping motivated young people in need in Detroit to achieve academic and career success is celebrating 40 years of service.

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit works with youth beginning at age 12 and supports them as they navigate adolescence and college in preparation for fulfilling careers.

Executive Director Rebecca Limbaugh emphasized the 360-degree support her organization provides to Detroit's young people. "Everything that an individual would need to make sure that their child is prepared for the future: life skills, spiritual enrichment, college prep, tutoring help, love, a lot of support, social work services, academic support," she told WXYZ. 

Thirteen-year-old Nyla Jones, a Hope House residential college preparation program participant, said the focused learning environment and academic resources she's received through Boys Hope Girls Hope have empowered her as she thinks about her future.

"At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to college, but as I learned about all the colleges and all the opportunities they offer you, I feel like I do want to go to college," said Jones, who is thinking about becoming a lawyer.

In addition to the six girls who served through the long-term residential college preparation program, 36 students participated in the Academy program, which partners with Detroit-based schools. The nonprofit reports a 100% high school graduation rate over its 40-year history. Fourteen of its students will graduate from high school this spring.

Boys Hope Girls Hope relies on generous contributions, grants, and volunteer support to accomplish its mission. Visit the organization's website to learn ways to get involved.