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).

By 2006 Think Detroit was an 8-year-old organization serving approximately 5,500 youngsters annually through athletic leagues, leadership camps, and academic support for student-athletes.  Its work had also included the $1.2M renovation of Maheras Gentry Park on Detroit’s eastern riverfront. The organization had been designated by Crain’s Detroit Business as the Best-Managed Nonprofit in 2004, and had been recognized by the nation’s First Lady and the state’s First Gentleman as a model youth development organization.

Established in 1969 to improve relations between the police and community following the 1967 riots, Detroit PAL was a private nonprofit agency that was serving more than 7,000 young people annually through athletic leagues, day camps, and after-school tutoring programs.  PAL’s youth tackle football program was the largest of its kind in the country.  During its long history, PAL had changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Detroit kids.

The merger of these two organizations was designed to accomplish one goal: to serve more kids with better programs.

What do we do?

Think Detroit PAL touches inner city kids each year by providing them with a character enriching opportunity to play on one of our sports teams, participate in one of our academic programs, or experience one of our leadership camps.  The organization annually serves nearly 13,000 children, ages 4-19.

Athletic Programs

Think Detroit PAL operates some of the largest inner-city sports leagues in the nation.  These programs serve approximately 11,000 kids each year.
 
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; and
• helps young people grow into healthy adults.

Seasonal sports leagues are currently offered in 11 different sports: Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Tackle Football, Volleyball, Track and Field, Tennis, Golf and Cheerleading.

Academic Programs

Think Detroit PAL believes a solid education is the foundation for a solid future.  We offer academically at-risk youth a free 10-week tutorial program to improve core math and reading skills.  Founded in 1986 and administered at four Detroit elementary schools through Marygrove College’s Learning Clinic, the program is based on 3 assumptions:

• Prevention of illiteracy through early intervention is the key for future generations.
• Despite the work of our schools, some children need personalized tutoring.
• Providing tutoring in a classroom setting reinforces the work of the school system.

Think Detroit PAL also offers various supports for Detroit’s young student-athletes.  The D. Duane Hurtt Student-Athlete Resource Center provides one-on-one counseling to Detroit children on subjects ranging from the college admissions process to ACT/SAT test preparation to financial aid for college.

Leadership Development Programs

Think Detroit PAL’s Leaders for Life Camp is designed to enhance both the academic skills and personal development of middle and high 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. The results are phenomenal:

73%    of campers improve their grades
68%    of campers improve their attendance in school
98%    of campers continue to use the skills they learned at camp
81%    of campers have increased confidence

The Leaders for Life Camp physically and mentally challenges campers by providing them with fun and engaging activities from sunrise to “lights out.”

Community Center Programs

Think Detroit PAL also operates a community center near Chadsey High School in southwest Detroit, where we offer educational, recreational, and sports programs for area kids during non-school hours.  The centers also provide opportunities for kids to learn about computers, play table games, study, read books, art projects and much more in a safe environment under the guidance of trained staff and police officers.

Other Programs

Finally, Think Detroit PAL operates summer day camps for children of various ages.  The camps range from a general day camp program for 6-14 year-old children (complete with field trips) to sports-specific camps like cheerleading or football camp.

Who provides our funding?

Today, Think Detroit PAL maintains a revenue stream of approximately $2.5 million per year.  We are supported by the generous donations of individuals, corporations, and foundations.  We are also supported by a number of special community events such as the Paul W. Smith Charity Classic Golf Tournament and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association North American International Auto Show Charity Preview.