Baltimore residents are invited to a “science fair for grown-ups” at BCYF’s Community Exhibition on Thursday, June 11, from 5–8 p.m.
The space at 4MLK is transformed into a walkable, two-floor experience for this culminating celebration of the Learning Lab’s 2025-2026 program year. Youth leaders, grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and community partners gather to share all they have learned, built, and created over the year. The exhibition will have interactive stations, gallery walks, and hands-on demonstrations showcasing the breadth of talent and ability of Baltimore’s youth.
Hosted by the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund, visitors can see public youth funding in action as they learn about youth programs, experience interactive exhibits, watch live performances, and participate in community input opportunities. Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen and Councilwoman Phylicia Porter are planning to attend, as are other city officials and community partners, like Alysia Lee, president and CEO of BCYF.
The Community Exhibition is free and focused on civic engagement. It advances the Youth Master Plan, a community-driven initiative designed with young people to make sure they have opportunities and resources they need to thrive.
BCYF is a dedicated fund committed to equity in public investment for Baltimore’s young people. It grew out of community demands for racial equity after Freddie Gray’s death in 2015. Approved by 80% of voters in 2016 and officially established in 2020, BCYF turns public dollars into opportunities for youth. Since its founding it has supported at least 140 grassroots organizations, provided 17,000 youth opportunities, and awarded more than $40 million in grants and funding.
Thursday’s Community Exhibition will include exhibits from BCYF grantee organizations, like CHARM, Nuestras Raíces, Expanding Boundaries International and The Equity Project Foundation. There will be youth performances, open mic moments, and a Baltimore Youth Master Plan station where residents can share their ideas and even sign up to help shape future youth programming. The “Mayor for a Minute” video booth allows people to record short messages about their dreams for Baltimore, for people who want to go on the record and are ready for their close-up.
Please register on the BCYF website.
