Summer Youth Developement Program
Summer Youth Development Program (SYDP)
SYDP is a free summer program for Detroit youth ages 14–21. Each summer, a cohort of about 15 young people spends 6-8 weeks building life skills, preparing for college and careers, and learning to make healthy decisions. Youth in or transitioning out of foster care receive priority enrollment.
CUYFD runs SYDP with Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Growing Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT), and a number of community partners. Participants are paid through GDYT.
What participants do
Botvin LifeSkills Training: An evidence-based curriculum that teaches drug resistance skills, decision-making, and stress management.
Suicide prevention training: Youth complete the Lifelines curriculum and learn the warning signs of suicide and where to find help.
Five-year life plan: Each participant writes a plan for school, work, and life after high school or foster care, then presents it at the end of the summer.
Community service project: The cohort plans and completes a service project together.
College and career exposure: Participants visit college campuses, including Michigan State University, and meet professionals from different fields.
Mentoring: CUYFD founder Marsialle Arbuckle, Sr. shares his own experience growing up in foster care through his book, I Have a Story to Tell.
Field trips: Museum, park, and cultural outings around southeast Michigan.
Who can apply
Detroit youth ages 14–21
Priority for youth in foster care or who have aged out
Participants must attend the full program
How to apply
Applications for summer open in March.
Questions? Call (313) 340-3101 or email cuyfddetroit@gmail.com.
Results
SYDP has been the subject of a longitudinal study, and an alumni follow-up study is underway.
“If I never went to Mr. Arbuckle’s, I wouldn’t think the way I think now. I live by this mantra: ‘There is always someone in a worse predicament than me.’”
Kalum Gaddis, SYDP alum
