Accountability, Caring and Empowerment are just a few of the Core Goals upheld by The Midnight Golf Program (MGP), a 30-week empowerment and mentoring experience that teaches life skills including financial literacy to its young people. the organization also focuses on college preparation, community activism, as well as teaching youth how to play golf. Renee Fluker, a Detroit social worker, founded the organization in 2001, and it has become an outstanding program that makes a positive impact in the lives of the participants. Ms. Fluker also serves at the organizations President.
The Midnight Golf Program is a 501(c)3 organization and it will hold its 11th Annual Bowl-A-Thon on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Thunderbowl Lanes, 4200 Allen Road, Allen Park, Michigan. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by bowling at 1:00 p.m. Groups, teams and individuals may register at the website: Midnightgolf.org Donations and raffle items are also accepted and more information about the event can be gained by calling 248.792.9436.
Gaining success, and continuing to help young people in the urban communities succeed is generated by Midnight Golf through several factors:
- Meets twice weekly – Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Marygrove College in Detroit.
- Life Skills are taught by business, human service and education professionals.
- Golf is taught by PGA of America professionals.
- Adults from all walks of life, generations and experience, volunteer their time to serve as mentors for the participants.
- Nearly 800 participants were admitted or graduated from 90 different colleges and universities.
Photo: Renee Fluker, Founder/President, Midnight Golf
Since 2001, more than 1000 young people joined the Midnight Golf Program, 800 plus completed the 30 week learning experience with nearly 800 students admitted to or graduated from 90 different colleges and universities. One Midnight Golf Alum shared with the organization that, “MPG is like gaining a second family. The mentors checked in on me even after the program ended. If you were in MGP, there is always someone there for you.”
There are currently 132 participants in Detroit, Michigan. Through the training and experiences the participants become empowered and socially responsible young adults prepared to maximize their potential and appreciate the game of golf.
- Mission – To improve under-served young adults’ personal and professional development, success and appreciation of the game of golf.
- Vision – Empowered, socially responsible young adults prepared to maximize their potential.
Core Values:
- Accountability – We take responsibility for all that we commit to accomplish
- Caring – We are concerned and committed to the needs of all
- Empowerment – We provide information and access to skills that equip young people for success
- Exposure – We provide critical opportunities to experience people, places and activities vital to youth development
- Integrity – We are honest in our relationships and activities
- Quality – We perform every activity with excellence
- Relevance – We are committed to growing young adults prepared to succeed around the globe
- Respect – We exhibit respect for ourselves and others
The organization is built on four core tenants:
- Golf Instruction
- Life Skills
- Lifelong mentorship
- College Readiness
Annually the organization hosts a Road Trip To Success, a week-long road trip during the traditional spring break week, offered to high school students. The Road Trip has traveled to places ranging from Georgia to Washington, DC since the program’s inception. During this week students tour colleges and play golf on some of the nation’s most renowned golf courses. Significantly, Midnight Golf’s has achieved 90% of its participants entering college or vocational training prior to leaving the program and over 100 colleges across the country have enrolled its youth.
