Our Program

The Midnight Golf Program: A Proven Path to Success

The Midnight Golf Program helps young people turn determination into success as they transition from high school, to college, into a professional career and beyond.

Not your average after school program

MGP’s methodology provides a transformational experience for our young people. We are invested in eliminating barriers to success for all of our students. Starting in their senior year of high school, through college graduation and into the workforce, the Midnight Golf Program provides a comprehensive support system and essential resources so students can thrive during this exciting time in their lives.

More than 3,200 MGP participants have moved on to college since our program began in 2001. They have studied at more than 150 different colleges and universities  across the country.

The greater community also benefits by our cultivation of future leaders. The Midnight Golf Program gives purpose to young people and helps them to remove obstacles – from not knowing how to write effective college entrance essays to understanding how to advocate for themselves. These responsible, engaged, and smart young adults, in turn, contribute to the communities where we live and work.

“The people here are there for me and I think that is so powerful because they see so much when you don’t even see anything in yourself. They care so much about us. Even after you leave, they are there for you.” –Cydney B., student, class of 2017

High School Empowerment

Each year, more than 1,000 applicants apply for 250 spots; a number that represents 25% of Detroit Public Schools high school seniors.

Our flagship, 30-week program offers a transformational empowerment and mentoring experience to approximately 250 high school students each year.

One of the highlights of this part of the curriculum is the five-day Road Trip for Success college tour, which further sparks young people’s interest in pursuing higher education goals.

Students, staff members and mentors gather two evenings a week at Marygrove College and spend three hours together at the Midnight Golf Program (MGP). Young people gain confidence and build life skills in a family-like atmosphere. Mentor-to-student support and peer-to-peer support are important aspects of the 30-week program.

MGP presents educational sessions on a wide variety of topics of interest to young people and of vital importance to their success, including:

• Interpersonal skills and etiquette
• Financial literacy
• Public speaking
• Time management
• Networking and career exploration
• Conflict resolution
• Community activism
• College and career readiness
• Golf and sportsmanship

Instruction is interactive and often includes small group discussions. We, of course, learn and practice the game of golf. A highlight for the seniors is the six-day Road Trip for Success College Tour.

Read more about our program methodology.

College Success

Through our College Success Program, young people receive guidance and encouragement around post-secondary goal setting, college selection, scholarship applications – including those exclusively for MGP participants – and career decisions.

We send out care packages to our college freshmen each fall and correspond in other ways throughout the school year and during summer breaks. We keep in touch and stay engaged. MGP mentors are also key connectors for our young adults, providing yet another layer of support and encouragement.

Learn more about our College Success Program.

Career Development & Beyond

70% of MGP students graduate within six years – a rate four times higher than their Detroit peers.

MGP staff and mentors offer post-college mentoring, assistance with networking, and other career and life support. Many of our graduates give back to the program by becoming mentors themselves, or they volunteer in other ways in the communities where they live and work. Graduates also have become loyal donors. The strong connection to MGP never stops developing and evolving.

Learn more about our impact.