Midtown Youth Academy

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Midtown Youth Academy

Boxing Gym & Afterschool Program - Promoting success through education and wellness through boxing for since 1977. Through the organization, Mr. Mr.

The Midtown Youth Academy (the “organization”) was founded in 1977 by Eugene R. Hughes, a boxing trainer and drug abuse counselor, who was acutely aware of the conditions that often led youth of the District of the Columbia to become involved in drug addiction and crime. Hughes recruited volunteers to work with neighborhood youth to provide boxing lessons as a therapeutic recreational outlet and a

n after-school tutoring program in test preparation, arts and technology, entrepreneurship, and other skills. Hughes and the organization’s board members have been working on revitalizing the academy and its programs for the past three years. While doing so, the members realized it was in the best interest of the organization to leave its long time home at 2206 14th Street NW and continue the journey at 5332 Georgia Avenue NW. For over 45 years, the organization has served as a safe haven for thousands of inner city youth and neighbors. It was the dream of Mr. Hughes and still is the organization’s goal, for Midtown Youth Academy to live long and continue to stand strong as “A balance in the Community”. The current location opened on April 23, 2022 commemorating the founder's 85th birthday!

06/17/2026

What an incredible day at Midtown Youth Academy! We were beyond honored to host professional fighter Randy Brown, who took time out of his training camp to visit our facility, mentor our youth, and lead an intense training session.

Randy jumped straight into action, leading our kids through boxing exercises focused on endurance, discipline, and essential athletic fundamentals. More than just physical training, he spent the day boosting their confidence and building unbreakable teamwork.

While speaking to our group, Randy shared a powerful reminder of why community spaces matter:

"Programs like this made me who I am."

Raised in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Randy's journey embodies the ultimate definition of resilience. He hasn't forgotten his roots, which is why he founded the Randy Brown Foundation to empower inner-city youth. Through his foundation, Randy expands his impact straight back to Jamaica.

Thank you, Randy, for showing our youth that no matter where you start, dedication can take you to the global stage! 🥊⚡

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06/14/2026

An unforgettable day for Midtown Youth Academy! 🏛️✨

We are incredibly honored and proud that our amazing youth were chosen to walk down the iconic Lincoln Memorial steps alongside the world-class UFC fighters (Alex Pereira, Cyril Gane, Derrick Lewis, Kyle Daukaus, Steve Garcia) competing right here in Washington, DC today! 🇺🇸🥊

A massive thank you to the for providing this unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience for our kids. Inspiring the next generation to dream big starts with moments just like this.

06/13/2026

A massive thank you to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for stopping by Midtown Youth Academy to drop off brand-new equipment and apparel, spend time in the ring, and so much more! Your incredible support helps our scholars build discipline, confidence, and strength. We are so grateful for the champions who invest in our community! 🥊🥊

A special shoutout to Good Sports for their equipment and apparel donation, and making the connection and bringing the UFC team to our gym! Thank you both for creating an unforgettable opportunity for our youth.

06/11/2026

Thank you, for coming to visit ! Jahmal Harvey, Professional Boxer 🥊 and 2024 Olympian, is a DMV native by way of Oxon Hill, MD.

Jahmal came to visit the youth boxers of Midtown for the second time to share his story about what it takes to be a pro. From emphasizing that in boxing there’s no such thing as an “off season,” to sharing about the sacrifices he’s had to make, and how he’s been able to care for his family, Jahmal’s story left an impact on all of us.

06/04/2026

🥊 Empowering Our Youth, Together! 📚

A massive thank you to the Vision and Dreams Project for their incredible, continued support of Midtown Youth Academy!

For those who don’t know, the Vision and Dreams Project is an amazing nonprofit youth skills development program. They use real, community-based renovation projects to teach young people valuable trade skills in the construction sector, restoring hope and building character along the way.

Their latest donation directly fuels our mission to promote success through education and wellness through boxing. Because of their generosity, our youth have a safe space to sharpen their minds, strengthen their bodies, and build bright futures.

Partnerships like this keep our rings open and our classrooms full. Thank you for believing in our champions!

06/01/2026

Thank you Fight For Children for hosting this Youth Sports Town Hall full of critical conversation and and for your tireless dedication to the youth of our community!

We were incredibly inspired by the youth panel and DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who highlighted how youth sports serve as a critical gateway to mentorship, safety, and belonging for young people across the District. Hearing directly from the kids reminded everyone exactly why Fight for Children's mission is so vital.

05/27/2026

🏆 Midtown Youth Academy honored by the Hands Up, Guns Down movement!

Midtown Youth Academy was an awards recipient at the recent event hosted by Tai Campbell, Midtown supporter and Hands Up, Guns Down founder! This incredible DMV movement encourages youth to put down weapons, learn discipline, and solve conflicts through boxing and mentorship.

Alongside fellow community organizations and inspiring boxers, MYA leadership and athletes were officially recognized for their steadfast support of this vital anti-violence mission.

We believe that providing positive outlets for our youth is key to creating safer neighborhoods across Washington, DC. We are deeply grateful to Hands Up, Guns Down for this honor, and we stand proudly with everyone working to replace violence with opportunity and purpose.

Come visit us at 5332 Georgia Avenue NW or check us out at www.midtownyouthacademy.org to see how our boxing and youth development programs are making a difference every day!

05/12/2026

🌟 Let Them Be Great. 🌟

At Midtown Youth Academy, we don’t just provide a space—we provide a launchpad. Every young person walks through our doors with a unique spark of greatness. Our job? To give them the tools, the mentorship, and the freedom to let that spark catch fire. 🚀

Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders, creators, and world-shakers. Let’s let them be great!

04/28/2026

They say it takes a village, but at Midtown Youth Academy, our village is powered by incredible volunteers! 🌟 Thank you!

Today, we honor Nylah who is a true champion of our community. 🏆

Whether she is keeping us administratively in tact, helping out during enrichment workshops, offering guidance or tutoring to our scholars, or lending a hand to ensure our facility is always a welcoming space, Nylah brings a level of dedication that inspires us all.

To every mentor, tutor, and helping hand: We see your hard work, and we are so grateful for the passion you bring every single day. 💛

04/23/2026

🥊 Happy Birthday to our legendary Founder, Eugene "Thunder" Hughes (April 23, 1937 – March 12, 2018)! 🕊️

Today we celebrate the man who turned a make-shift boxing ring into a "Safe Haven" for D.C. youth. From his days as a Golden Gloves champion to his decades as a mentor, "Thunder" taught us that the real fight happens outside the ring...in the classroom and in our character.

He often said about students, "We let them knock themselves out in the gym... After they get that frustration out of them, we work with their minds".

His "Each One, Teach One" philosophy continues to guide every student who walks through our doors at 5332 Georgia Ave NW. Whether you're here for boxing, tutoring, or tech, you are a part of the champion legacy he built over 50 years.

Thank you, Mr. Gene, for showing us that we are "somebody" and can be anything we want to be. We’re still fighting for the vision you started! 🥊📚✨

Address

5332 Georgia Avenue
Washington D.C., DC
20011

Telephone

(202) 600-5940

Website

http://midtownyouthacademy.org/

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