Books & Boxing Youth Development Program

Project Overview

The DC Public Library Foundation engaged Bayne LLC to manage and implement the Books & Boxing Youth Development Program at the Woodridge and Frances A. Gregory Neighborhood Libraries in Washington, DC. The initiative combined literacy enrichment with structured boxing and physical fitness instruction to promote academic engagement, physical wellness, discipline, confidence, and positive youth development among children ages 8–16.

Bayne provided comprehensive program management, instructional staffing, youth engagement, equipment procurement, scheduling, and operational oversight. Working in collaboration with DC Public Library staff, Bayne implemented a structured program that integrated reading activities with boxing fundamentals, creating an innovative approach to youth development and community-based learning.

Scope of Services

Youth Programming and Instruction

Bayne coordinated and delivered twice-weekly programming at both library locations. Each 90-minute session incorporated 30 minutes of literacy enrichment facilitated by DCPL staff and 60 minutes of structured boxing and fitness instruction managed by Bayne.

Programming emphasized physical conditioning, boxing fundamentals, teamwork, discipline, respect, goal setting, and confidence building. Bayne partnered with experienced boxing instructors and maintained access to qualified trainers through its relationship with Team NoXcuse.

Program Management and Operations

Bayne provided comprehensive management and logistical support throughout the engagement. Responsibilities included:

• Developed program schedules, instructional plans, and operational procedures across two library locations.

• Recruited, coordinated, and supervised qualified boxing instructors and program support personnel.

• Collaborated with DCPL librarians and staff to integrate literacy enrichment with physical fitness programming.

• Managed participant registration coordination, attendance tracking, parent communications, and ongoing family engagement.

• Procured, maintained, and managed boxing equipment, training supplies, and participant materials.

• Implemented safety procedures, behavior management practices, and staffing continuity plans.

• Monitored program participation, documented performance outcomes, and prepared progress and final reports.

Results and Impact

Bayne successfully implemented the Books & Boxing Program, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining literacy enrichment with structured physical activity to engage District youth.

Key accomplishments included:

• Two DC Public Library locations served through recurring youth development programming.

• Approximately 76 unique youth participants reported by the final reporting period, compared with 34 during the initial reporting period.

• More than 120% growth in reported unique participation between the initial and final reporting periods.

• Twice-weekly programming at each location, integrating literacy development and physical fitness.

• Zero significant safety incidents or major behavioral concerns throughout the reported program period.

• Positive parent feedback and observed improvements in participant confidence, focus, discipline, teamwork, and engagement.

• Consistent program delivery and coordination between Bayne instructors, library staff, participating youth, and families.

Through this engagement, Bayne demonstrated its ability to design, manage, and deliver multi-site youth development programs that combine educational enrichment, physical wellness, and community engagement. The program strengthened relationships between District families and their neighborhood libraries while establishing a scalable model for innovative, community-based youth programming.