For more than a century, the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) has been a steady force in Baltimore, working to close gaps in opportunity and ensure African Americans achieve economic self-reliance, parity, and civil rights. Now, as the organization relaunches its 2025–2026 Saturday Leadership Program (SLP), it continues that legacy with a focus on the city’s next generation of leaders.
Launched in 2013, the SLP serves Baltimore-area students in grades 8 through 12. Fellows meet two to three times per month for a mix of workshops, enrichment activities, and college or career exploration opportunities. New this year, the program will also include select weekday sessions and a mix of virtual and in-person learning to meet the needs of students and families. Participants earn community service hours for every session attended, which can count toward graduation requirements or scholarship applications.
Importantly, the SLP is offered at no cost to students or their families. The only requirement is consistent attendance and a positive attitude. Because GBUL is Maryland’s only Urban League affiliate, the program welcomes students from across Baltimore City and neighboring counties.
The return of SLP this year carries special meaning. In 2024, the program was interrupted due to federal budget cuts that impacted organizations nationwide working on racial equity and diversity initiatives, including GBUL. Restarting the program demonstrates both resilience and the unwavering commitment of staff, volunteers, and community partners to provide opportunities for Baltimore youth.
Dr. Estelle Young, one of the founding volunteers of the program, emphasized the community spirit behind SLP. “Love is free, so share it. At SLP, our staff and volunteers provide events to expose our youth to college opportunities and community leadership. Caring adults facilitate these sessions and SLP fellows from East Baltimore befriend fellows from West Baltimore. At GBUL, we change lives.”
That vision continues today, said Tershea “Shea” Rice, Chief Operations Officer for the Greater Baltimore Urban League. “The Saturday Leadership Program (SLP) is about more than academics; it’s about equipping young people with the confidence, critical thinking, and life skills they need to lead in their schools, communities, and future careers. Each session students are exposed to mentors, enrichment opportunities, and real-world experiences that show them what’s possible. We want every student to know that leadership isn’t reserved for the future, it starts now! The SLP program gives them the tools and the community to grow into their fullest potential.”
The 2024–2025 program year was filled with experiences that blended education, culture, and service. Fellows toured Morgan State, Coppin State, Loyola University Maryland, Goucher College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, and Johns Hopkins. They explored aviation careers at Martin State Airport, served their communities alongside Blue Water Baltimore and the Maryland Food Bank, and visited Annapolis, the state capital.
The program also built strong partnerships with local nonprofits and organizations. The College Bound Foundation led FAFSA and scholarship workshops for parents, while Let’s Go with STEM and 3D Pen Party powered interactive STEM activities. Fellows attended major Baltimore events such as the Black Engineer of the Year High School Day, the CIAA Basketball Tournament, and the STEMCX Conference, connecting them with professional role models and networks in their own city.
In addition to its youth programming, GBUL makes a broad impact across the region. The Raymond V. Haysbert, Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship provides free consulting services to small businesses and entrepreneurs, including the Restaurant Accelerator Program, which helps food and hospitality ventures grow and thrive. GBUL’s Workforce Development programs support jobseekers through digital literacy training and preparation for in-demand careers such as cybersecurity and construction. The organization also engages thousands of residents each year through large community events designed to promote economic opportunity, health equity, and civic engagement.
Parents and guardians are an integral part of the SLP model, participating in bi-monthly engagement sessions. These gatherings provide resources such as FAFSA and scholarship workshops and create a supportive network of families invested in their children’s futures.
As the new program year gets underway, GBUL is calling on the community to stay engaged and supportive.
For more information about the Greater Baltimore Urban League and the Saturday Leadership Program, visit www.gbul.org.
Harold Booker Jr.
Harold Booker Jr. is the founder and principal of DrewJenk Consulting, a boutique firm that specializes in project management, technology, and community engagement. He is also a frequent contributor to the Baltimore Times, writing about arts, culture, and social issues that connect personal history with community impact.