The Youth Connection

What The Youth Connection does

The Youth Connection is a Detroit-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1996 to expand access to quality after-school programming for Detroit youth, originally seeded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative following the 1992 Los Angeles riots. After a mid-2000s period operating as a strategic advocate and grant-writing intermediary, it pivoted in 2008 to direct program delivery with the launch of The Youth Connection Career Academies (TYCCA), and now operates three core divisions serving Metro Detroit youth ages 14–24 and their families: TYCCA (workforce development, career pathways, internships, and work-readiness training funded in part through WIOA via Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation), HWPD (Health, Wellness, Prevention Division, delivering evidence-based curricula including SBIRT, Botvin Life Skills Training, Strengthening Families Program 10–14, and Fit & Fun Family Clubs), and CORE (Community Outreach and Engagement, leading the Love Detroit Prevention Coalition across twelve community sectors in zip codes 48203, 48205, and 48234).

The organization's technical/programmatic stack is built on licensed, evidence-based human-delivered curricula (SBIRT for substance-use screening, Botvin Life Skills Training for middle and high school students, Strengthening Families Program 10–14 for families, and Fit & Fun Family Clubs for grades 1–5) rather than proprietary software, augmented by a free virtual Narcan (naloxone) training platform, a Train-the-Trainer certification program, an SBIRT training curriculum, and a Youth Ambassador Program that gives young creators ages 15–24 hands-on marketing, media, and branding experience. Delivery channels include direct programming at its 300 River Place Drive, Suite 1400 Detroit headquarters, in-school curriculum delivery, virtual training on demand, and community coalition events (Red Ribbon Week, DEA Drug Takeback Days, graduation photoshoots, and youth employment orientations). The organization has no mobile app, no public API, and no disclosed AI/ML components.

The business model is freemium and donation-funded: every program is delivered free of charge to participants, with revenue sourced from individual donations (tax-deductible gifts via Zeffy, PayPal, GlobalGiving, and the Combined Federal Campaign), corporate and community partnerships (including Kroger Community Rewards), and government grants and contracts (notably WIOA funding channeled through Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation and summer youth employment funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources). The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Jennifer Sulik (CEO, Go Media, LLC) and led by President and CEO Dr. Grenaé D. Dudley, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with Wayne State University doctoral training who has served in the role for over 30 years. Revenue figures, headcount totals, and audited financials are not publicly disclosed.

Name

The Youth Connection

Legal name

The Youth Connection

Website

https://theyouthconnection.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Youth Connection is a Detroit-based 501(c)(3) non-profit operating three divisions—TYCCA (workforce development), HWPD (evidence-based health and substance-use prevention), and CORE (community coalition work)—to deliver free career, wellness, and family programs to Metro Detroit youth ages 14–24 and their families.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth and Family Community Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Support Services (611710), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD), Substance Use Prevention & Student Assistance Programs (School-Based) (EDAKAMAJ), Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK), Youth-to-Adult Transition & Life Skills (Independent Living, Soft Skills) (EDAAAFAN)

Keywords

• Youth workforce development
• Substance misuse prevention
• Community youth services
• Career readiness training
• Family support programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Detroit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals through online platforms like Zeffy (100% fee-free) and PayPal, with options for one-time or monthly recurring gifts
2. Corporate and Community Partnerships: Corporate sponsorships, Kroger Community Rewards program where a portion of purchases support TYC, and partnership opportunities for businesses
3. Government Grants and Contracts: Funding from Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Michigan Department of Natural Resources summer youth employment programs, and other government sources
4. Combined Federal Campaign (CFC): Federal employees and retirees can donate through CFC workplace giving program
5. GlobalGiving Platform: International donor community giving through GlobalGiving platform where TYC is recognized as a top-ranked nonprofit

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Youth Connection provides free youth development, career readiness, and substance misuse prevention services to Metro Detroit youth ages 14-24 and their families through three core divisions: TYCCA Career Academies (workforce development), HWPD Health Wellness Prevention Division (evidence-based curricula), and CORE Community Outreach and Engagement (coalition-based prevention). Supporting these divisions are free training programs including virtual Narcan training, SBIRT certification, and train-the-trainer programs, plus youth engagement through the Youth Ambassador Program and Volunteer Network.

Product overview

The Youth Connection is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of youth and family services organized around three core divisions: TYCCA (Career Academies) providing workforce readiness and career pathway programs; HWPD (Health, Wellness, Prevention Division) delivering evidence-based health education and substance misuse prevention; and CORE (Community Outreach and Engagement) leading coalition-based prevention efforts through the Love Detroit Prevention Coalition. Supporting these divisions are training programs including free virtual Narcan training, SBIRT certification, and train-the-trainer programs, along with youth development opportunities such as the Youth Ambassador Program and Volunteer Network. The organization connects Metro Detroit youth ages 14-24 to education, employment, and enrichment while providing essential resources for families, all funded through multiple donation channels including Zeffy, Kroger Community Rewards, GlobalGiving, and PayPal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TYCCA: The Youth Connection Career Academies - a program designed to expose, engage, and train metropolitan Detroit youth and young adults ages 14-24 for careers and continuing education.
• HWPD
• C.O.R.E.
• Love Detroit Prevention Coalition (LDPC)

Products and services

• The Youth Connection Career Academies (TYCCA) A workforce development program that exposes, engages, and trains metropolitan Detroit youth and young adults ages 14-24 for careers and continuing education through career pathways, internships, work readiness training, and entry-level certification.
• Health, Wellness, Prevention Division (HWPD) Provides youth and families with tools and support to build healthy habits, prevent risks, and thrive through evidence-based programs including Strengthening Families 10-14, Fit & Fun Family Clubs, and Botvin Life Skills Training.
• Community Outreach and Engagement Department (CORE) Leads coalition-based prevention efforts to reduce youth substance misuse in Detroit zip codes 48203, 48205, and 48234 through the Love Detroit Prevention Coalition, uniting twelve community sectors.
• Narcan (Naloxone) Training Free virtual training that empowers community members to recognize opioid overdose signs and respond with confidence through safe Narcan administration.
• SBIRT Training Evidence-based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment training that equips professionals to identify risks early, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect individuals to appropriate resources.
• Train-the-Trainer Program Certification program that empowers community leaders to become certified Narcan instructors, multiplying life-saving knowledge and impact throughout their networks.
• Strengthening Families 10-14 (SFP 10-14) An evidence-based, family-centered virtual program for families with youth ages 10-14 that meets three times per week with parents, youth, and whole family sessions to teach nurturing skills, discipline strategies, and substance use prevention.
• Fit & Fun Family Clubs (I2D2) Program delivered in schools and community settings promoting healthy habits through activities that encourage increased fruit and vegetable consumption, greater physical activity, reduced sugary drink intake, and reduced recreational screen time.
• Botvin Life Skills Training Evidence-based curriculum for middle and high school students that equips youth with skills to manage emotions, assess and avoid risky behaviors, resist peer pressure, and critically evaluate media influences.
• Youth Ambassador Program Program that empowers young creators ages 15-24 to share stories, represent their community, and gain hands-on experience in marketing, media, and branding through real-world projects and events.
• Volunteer Network Citywide network of volunteers offering opportunities in Youth Ambassadors, Helping Hands, Professional Mentors, and Community Partners categories to support Detroit youth.
• Events Program Organizes events designed to inspire change and strengthen communities, including prevention campaigns, career workshops, youth celebrations, GDYT Summer Work Orientation, and graduation photoshoots.
• Community Resources Curated directory connecting Detroit families to resources in housing and homelessness, SNAP and food assistance, and health and safety including mental health support services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Youth served through career academies and workforce development programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTYCCA is partially funded by DESC under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The program provides workforce development activities that increase employment, retention, and earnings of youth participants ages 14-24.
• Grow Detroit's Young Talent (GDYT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTYCCA partners with GDYT, a citywide summer jobs program that trains and employs young adults ages 14-24. The partnership provides career exploration through community service, vocational training, career pathway guidance, and job shadowing.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSummer youth employment program for youth ages 16-19 to learn about outdoor careers with MDNR. Includes work skills education, resume building, interviewing skills, and hands-on natural resource management experience in Detroit.
• Love Detroit Prevention Coalition (LDPC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA partnership of twelve community sectors including youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, healthcare, government, and local organizations. LDPC develops strategies to prevent substance misuse and create environments where youth can thrive. Received 2019 CADCA Chairman's Award.
• Ascension Michigan (St. John Providence Health System)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Dudley serves on the Ascension Michigan Mission Committee. Partnership involves community health initiatives and substance misuse prevention collaboration.
• Wayne County Sheriff's OfficeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegina Banks-Hall, Director of Grants Administration at Wayne County Sheriff's Office, serves on The Youth Connection Board, facilitating law enforcement-community partnerships.
• Oakland County Department of Health and Human ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Dudley serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for this county health department, supporting coordination of health and human services.
• Detroit Health DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral partner for health services including immunizations, testing, WIC, and family health programs for Detroit families.
• Henry Ford Health SystemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing low-cost clinics, preventive screenings, and support programs. Nancy Goodwin, Health Services Manager at Henry Ford Health, serves on TYC Board.
• Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral partner for mental health, substance use, and developmental disability support services. Available through 24/7 Helpline: 800-241-4949.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Year Up: National youth-workforce development nonprofit serving young adults 18-24 with career training and corporate placement — comparable target demographic and workforce-readiness model, but operates at national scale and urban-market focus.
• Urban Alliance: National nonprofit providing workforce development, mentorship, and job-readiness for youth from under-resourced communities — comparable youth-workforce mission and age cohort, though not currently operating in Detroit.

Direct peers

• Black Family Development: Detroit-based nonprofit providing youth counseling, prevention services, and family support — most directly comparable to TYC's HWPD substance-use prevention and family-strengthening offerings in the same community.
• Southwest Solutions: Detroit human-services nonprofit offering youth development, behavioral health, and family support programs — comparable service breadth and metro-Detroit footprint, with similar reliance on grants and donations.
• Grow Detroit's Young Talent: Citywide Detroit summer-jobs program for youth ages 14-24 — already a TYC partner, but itself operates comparable workforce programming and competes for the same municipal and philanthropic dollars.
• SER Metro Detroit: Detroit-area workforce development nonprofit serving youth and adults with job-readiness and placement services — most directly comparable to TYCCA's career academy offerings under similar WIOA-aligned funding streams.
• Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation: Detroit youth-and-family services nonprofit delivering after-school programs, workforce readiness, and substance use prevention — overlapping target population (Detroit youth ages 14-24) and program portfolio.
• Focus: HOPE: Large Detroit-based 501(c)(3) delivering workforce training, youth education, and family support across multiple program lines — directly comparable to TYC's integrated youth-and-family services model in the same metro market.

Regional players

• Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance: Detroit-based community development nonprofit focused on youth opportunity, workforce pathways, and family stability in a specific Detroit neighborhood — comparable mission with more geographic restriction than TYC.

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill of Greater Detroit: Established regional nonprofit operating workforce development, youth programs, and social enterprises at greater scale — comparable mission and Detroit footprint, but broader geographic scope and larger resource base than TYC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCuvoEe0P0wVTmE66WrMsWnw
• Facebookfacebook.com/TYCDetroit
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-youth-connection/?viewAsMember=true
• Instagraminstagram.com/tycdetroit
• Xx.com/TYCDetroit

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Youth Connection