WHO IS THINK DETROIT PAL?
Think Detroit PAL is a private, nonprofit organization that is working to make Detroit a great place to be a kid and raise a family.

Mission Statement
Our mission: In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Think Detroit PAL builds character in young people through athletic, academic, and leadership development programs.

History
Think Detroit PAL was formed on March 1, 2006, by the merger of two of the leading youth development organizations in the Detroit area: Think Detroit, Inc. and the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL).

At the time of the merger, the organizations had a combined history of over 40 years of service to Detroit-area kids and families. Their work had included the successful $1.2M renovation of Maheras Gentry Park on Detroit’s eastern riverfront (pictured at left), and operation of one of the largest youth tackle football leagues in the nation.  Their history also included numerous awards, including the Manhattan Institute’s Social Entrepreneurship Award, designation by Crain’s Detroit Business as a Best-Managed Nonprofit, and recognition by the nation’s First Lady and Michigan’s First Gentleman.
The merger of these two organizations was designed to accomplish one goal: to serve more kids through better programs.

WHAT DO WE DO?
Think Detroit PAL touches thousands of Detroit-area children each year by providing them with a character-enriching opportunity to gain academic support or leadership training, play on a team in one of our youth sports programs, or advance their athletic development through skill-development camps and clinics.  The organization annually serves 12,000 children, ages 4-19.

Academic and Leadership Programs
Through the D. Duane Hurtt Student-Athlete Resource Center, Think Detroit PAL provides academic support and leadership development programs for over 1,000 children annually. Academic support programs focus on assisting students with the transition to high school and to college. Think Detroit PAL’s Leaders for Life Camp enhances both the academic and leadership development of middle school students. The camp curriculum is provided by Quantum Learning, which has 30 years of success in helping kids increase their motivation, confidence, and academic performance. For youth who attend, the results are phenomenal:

73% improve their grades
68% improve their attendance in school
98% continue to use their new skills after camp
81% have increased confidence

In addition, the organization provides college admissions assistance to high school students.  The assistance ranges from college admissions counseling to standardized test preparation to a college tour program that takes high school students to visit some of the finest universities in the Midwest.

Athletic Leagues
Think Detroit PAL operates some of the largest youth sports leagues in the nation. 11,000 children annually participate in seasonal leagues in 12 different sports, for all age groups and skill levels. Leagues are currently offered in: baseball, softball, basketball, track&field, volleyball, golf, tennis, flag football, tackle football, cheerleading, soccer and hockey.

Our sports programs are more than just fun and games. Studies prove that a good youth sports program:

• promotes positive character development in the young people who participate
• promotes the development of positive life skills, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyles
• helps young people grow into healthy adults

Finally, for those children who desire the opportunity, Think Detroit PAL offers travel sports teams that compete on the regional and even national level in a number of sports.  Youth participating in these programs will usually compete at the collegiate level in future years.
Think Detroit PAL also provides a variety of opportunities for children to improve their skill level in the athletic activity of their choice, through periodic camps, clinics and tournaments.  These events range from the instructional to competitive, and draw everyone from beginners to university recruiters.  Many provide fantastic sponsorship opportunities.

Volunteer Training
Think Detroit PAL provides customized youth development training to thousands of volunteers annually. The training provides volunteers with proven techniques and strategies for ensuring the positive youth development takes place as a result of the youth sports program.

WHO PROVIDES OUR FUNDING?
Today, Think Detroit PAL maintains an annual budget of over $2 million. Most of our funding is provided by a mix of program fees (15%), grants from area foundations (30%), program sponsorships (10%), donations from individuals (10%), and special events (30%) such as the Paul W. Smith Charity Classic Golf Tournament and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association North American International Auto Show Charity Preview.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Donate Think Detroit PAL relies upon the generous support of the community to fund its life-changing programs. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution please contact Cheryl Haithco at 313-833-1600 x218 or visit our website at http://www.thinkdetroitpal.org to donate online. You may also send contributions to Think Detroit PAL at 111 West Willis, Detroit, MI 48201.

Volunteer
Help us build character in young people by volunteering to coach a sports team. As one of our well-trained 1,500 volunteer coaches, you will become one of the most respected people in the life of a child. For more information on becoming a volunteer, please call us at 313-833-1600.