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DETROIT (WXYZ) — Midnight Golf Program has had a profound impact on youth in Metro Detroit. While they learn to golf, that is just an avenue to prepare them for college and life.

These young men and women had to compete against 2,000 student applicants to become one of 250 high school seniors selected for the annual Midnight Golf Program.

The program has impacted the lives of at least 5000 students since it began in 2001.

For many like Brandon Poplar it was life changing.

WXYZ’s Carolyn Clifford asked, “Would you say that you’ve overcome any challenges in the Midnight Golf Program?”

“In high school I was not on track to graduate, I ended my high school career with a 2.5 GPA, and I did not think I was going to make it to college,” said Alumni Brandon Poplar.

Brandon is now a Junior at Delaware State University.

“I did not think it was possible for a Black male from Pontiac, Michigan, to be able to go into corporate America to do big things to go into college and make something of it,” said Poplar.

Renee Fluker is the Founder and President of Midnight Golf. Her inspiration was her son Jason.

“He was the only African American on the golf team, he would come home and cry in the car like it’s not fair, we’re not members of a club, none of his friends played. I said just wait something good is going to come out of this,” said Renee Fluker, Midnight Golf Program Founder.

Jason begged his mom to develop a golf program, to open up the world of country clubs to kids who looked like him. She started recruiting at a Detroit housing project.

“Kids would push me off the porch, ‘no lady I don’t want to learn how to play those sticks,’” said Fluker.

Instead, she offered free pizza, and she got kids galore. Now, 23 years later, it’s now a 30-week program teaching life skills and college readiness with mentors and PGA pros to teach golf. This year alone, they were awarded 150 college scholarships.

“Our goal is to get them in college and keep them there. A lot of kids will call home at the end of the year and say, ‘Ms. Renee, I don’t have enough money, I need to come home,’” said Fluker.

Today the program has adopted a new name: College, Career and Beyond, but Midnight Golf will always remain.

“We wanted to expand it out, to become College, Career and Beyond and when you use that, people can see we’re putting them in college,” said Fluker.

Today in Southfield they held their 4th Annual Family Golf outing at Plum Hollow Country Club. It’s to raise operational dollars including a $21,000 a month food budget. The impact is clear.

“I never knew Ms. Renee was someone that I needed in my life,” said Alumni Sydney Brown. “I can call Ms. Renee at any given time with anything, and I know she’s there for me.”

About 5,000 kids have come through the program, and many have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, corporate executives, and involved in many more successful careers.

Now they are preparing to open a new 40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art building in Detroit with golf simulators. It was donated, but a loan of $12 million for renovations must be paid back over 5 years. But when you hear Midnight Golf Alums, you know every penny donated is worth the sacrifice.

“I don’t know where I would be at. I don’t know what I would be doing without her without her program, without the support and the guidance and the love that I’ve gotten,” said Poplar.

“How does that make you feel?” asked Clifford.

“I cry every day, every day cause it’s so touching that you can help people,” said Fluker.

The program helps 70% of their participants graduate college, four times the rate of their Detroit peers. Supporting the program will help provide guidance and resources to young people in the Detroit area, impacting their futures.

They need volunteer mentors and donations. Renee hopes to open their new building by year’s end.

You can help by donating to Midnight Golf Association. You can also donate online or help fund a scholarship at this link.

SEE ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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MGP Class: May of 2022

Occupation: Sophomore Student at Temple University/Philadelphia, PA

Midnight Golf Program (MGP) is not just a program, but it is a lifestyle. Before being given the opportunity to be in MGP I was a student for four years at Farmington High School. While being a student, I held many positions such as Class President for four years, Varsity Volleyball Captain, and honors. Through the support of my family, I was able to pursue many opportunities. However, to this day, MGP has been one of the best opportunities I have been granted. When arriving at MGP I was astounded by the immaculate energy. The room was full of excellence. It was one of the first times that I had been surrounded by peers of my age who were all striving for success. This was very motivating because each Monday and Wednesday I looked forward to attending MGP and hearing of the success of my peers. Hearing of their success and journeys allowed me to expand upon my goals and learn of opportunities I would be capable of obtaining in the future. Before entering MGP, I had predestined goals for myself, but while being in MGP, receiving mentorship, and seeing the success of my peers, I realized I had potential beyond the original goals I had set for myself. This realization motivated me and allowed me to my horizons. In addition to my personal growth, by being in MGP I gained lifelong connections and friends, I received mentorship that I cherish to this day, and I have ultimately learned that there is no limit to the possibility of success and every opportunity is achievable.

I am a sophomore Health Professions major at Temple University, and I am on the road to becoming an Epidemiologist. I would not be at Temple University without the help of MGP. When embarking on my college decision journey, I realized choosing a college can be tricky. I wanted to attend a university that suited me best and would allow me to flourish. Mr. Coffee introduced me to Temple University based on the preferences I provided. Attending Temple University has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. While at Temple University I maintained a 4.0 GPA. I am an E-board member of Eta Sigma Gamma, a public health organization, and a Residential Assistant. I have also participated in research related to cognitive decline, specifically with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Currently, I am a Research Assistant focusing on language deprivation in deaf and hearing-impaired individuals. The help and support of my family and MGP have allowed me to flourish and pursue my God-given purpose. Deciding on a university is not only about choosing a school but also providing the financial means as well. MGP provided financial support for me by receiving awards like the Ms. Renee College scholarship and the National Football League (NFLPA) scholarship. These awards have helped me continue to pursue my educational journey.

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MGP Class: MGP class 2020

Occupation: Junior (Student) at Coppin State University

The Midnight Golf Program has impacted my life so much and has been another support system for me in so many ways since my time as a proud member of the organization to now as a proud alumnus! Being in the actual program helped me learn how to social network in a comfortable way where I could still be myself while being professional. They’ve also taught me how to play the game of golf and it wasn’t until I graduated from the program and started my college journey that I learned the importance of why the game of golf was implied, especially in a professional setting. My MGP family has been the people I could call on when I felt like my back was against the wall; they’ve supplied not only opportunities but supplies for me to be successful during my education, and they’ve put me in front of different alumni who have the same career goals and/or careers, allowing me to develop more mentors within the program. I’ve had the opportunity to work for different national-level professional teams within the world of sports, including the NBA, NFL, and NHL, and the skills that I’ve learned from MGP have helped me talk to and connect with people, grow as a professional, and more. MGP continues to give back to me as a student which inspires me to give back to my community as well!

I am a former student-athlete who transferred from Southern University and A&M College to Coppin State University. I currently work for the Washington Wizards (Washington D.C) as an HBCU Campus Ambassador, the Baltimore Ravens (Baltimore, MD) as a Guest Experience Ambassador, and the Anaheim Ducks (Anaheim, CA) as a Marketing Intern. I’ve also been a virtual intern for the 76ers basketball team. I am the lead student ambassador for Coppin State University, and I am the lead Sales and Promotions intern in Coppin State Athletics. During my experience at Coppin State University, I have been on the honor roll and Dean’s list, and I will be getting inducted into the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success next month. I was also invited to attend the Universities Gala for Coppin State last year. I’m a private donor scholarship recipient, a Thurgood Marshall scholar, and a student leader on Coppin State University’s campus. I was also involved in SGA (Student Government Association), the Prestige Step team, women’s bowling, and an attendee for the Black Sports Business Symposium in Atlanta, GA. I am also a member of the DREAM Foundation in the Spring 2024 Cohort led by Mark Clifford.

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Class 2022

Scholar at Norfolk State University

Skills I developed:

Over time, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth in networking, golf knowledge, and public speaking. Networking used to be intimidating, especially when interacting with adults, but with consistency and practice, I improved. My golf knowledge gained from the Midnight Golf Program has been immensely valuable, allowing me to establish connections with professionals at various conferences and engage with professors on campus. These interactions, particularly discussing golf with professors, played a pivotal role in the grand opening of Norfolk State’s first golf simulator, intended for student use. Additionally, in terms of public speaking, I have gradually overcome this challenge, notably through opportunities like my “Miss Freshman” campaign and holding executive board positions throughout my time on campus. Through perseverance and experience, I have embraced these challenges and emerged stronger, more confident, and better equipped for future endeavors.

Connections you made from MGP:

Thanks to my involvement in the Midnight Golf Program, I was introduced to Norfolk State Admission staff who recommended participating in the summer bridge program, Spartan’s Promise to Persist, the summer before my freshman year. This program proved instrumental in aiding my transition to campus life, enabling me to forge connections with students in all classifications and engage with faculty members from various departments. After graduating from the Midnight Golf program, I received an invitation to the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, where I had the first chance to network within the golf and professional community. This event was a pivotal and encouraging point in my life where I felt like I could network successfully. Additionally joining the vast Midnight Golf alumni community, I was able to connect with alumni of all ages across the nation. I always know I have MGP family everywhere I go!

Lessons Learned

Lessons learned during my journey include the understanding that all relationships including personal and business relationships matter and emphasizing the importance of staying connected. Another key lesson that changed my life is “Being comfortable with being uncomfortable,” it underscores the necessity of trying new things and seeking diverse experiences to become a well-rounded individual by the time of college graduation. The Midnight Golf program has instilled

into me that maintaining an open-minded approach will enable me to capitalize on opportunities beyond my major, ensuring that I make the most of every chance for growth and development.

How have they helped your goals? What are your goals:

My goals are centered around developing my leadership skills and broadening my knowledge and skillset to become a well-rounded individual. Recognizing the significance of both personal and professional relationships has underscored the importance of maintaining connections, which I believe is pivotal for achieving my aspirations. For instance, when I received the invitation to participate in the HBCU Battle of the Brains, I initially hesitated due to its deviation from my major. However, I am grateful that I embraced the opportunity as the competition not only sparked my interest in business but also provided me with the chance to network within a different industry and connect with fellow HBCU students. Additionally, embracing the famous quote I learned from Midnight Golf, “Being comfortable with being uncomfortable” has fundamentally altered my approach to new experiences. This lesson encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and actively seek diverse opportunities, instilling in me the value of maintaining an open mind. My aim is to positively distinguish myself and my brand to maximize every opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Success Story and Highlights:

With the commencement of my role as Freshman Class Senator, a myriad of opportunities began to present themselves. The following semester, my involvement with the honors college administration facilitated my participation in the HBCU Battle of the Brains, where my team achieved 3rd place. Concurrently, I also secured the position of Vice-President in the Honors College Student Association for the upcoming academic year.

During the summer break, I had the opportunity to intern as a project engineer with Balfour Beatty, while also having the chance to attend the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s DevCon. In the ensuing fall semester, I had the honor of attending two significant conferences: the Executive Leadership Council Honors Symposium as a recipient of the Otis Worldwide Scholarship, and the Inaugural HBCU Leadership Conference hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

My participation in the NAHB Leadership Conference resulted in the establishment of a chapter at Norfolk State, of which I am now serving as Vice-President. Additionally, it facilitated valuable connections with Andersen Corporation, where I am preparing to intern this summer. Moreover, during my free time, I took the initiative along with fellow Midnight Golf students to charter a Collegiate Midnight Golf Program on campus, where I proudly hold the role of chartering president.

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MGP Class: Class of 2022, M/W

Occupation: Delaware State Univ, Sophomore: Computer Science Major, Future Software Designer

Your background: The impact of MGP on my life is felt every single day. My time at Delaware State, exemplified by the presence of my mentor Mr. Coffee, who now stands as a proud Hornet, underscores the significance of MGP’s influence. The direct connection forged by MGP with Delaware State and the advocates supporting me has been truly exceptional. Among the myriad lessons imparted by MGP, the one that resonates most profoundly is the importance of speaking up. It wasn’t a skill that came naturally to me, but through their guidance, I developed the ability to do so effectively. I am grateful to them for instilling in me that drive. Through numerous golf outings and trips with MGP, I’ve always felt a deep-seated urge to give back, especially to the community that has supported and uplifted countless students like myself. MGP’s continued representation at Delaware State fills me with immense pride, and I commend every mentor and coach for their unwavering dedication in helping me and numerous other students reach this point.

Success Story and Highlights:

• National Dean’s List 2022-2024
• ColorStack Fellow
• NSBE Honeywell IPP Scholar
• Deloitte Scholar
• TMCF NexTech Innovation Challenge Winner
• Rewriting The Code Fellow
• MLT Career Prep Fellow
• CodePath Cybersecurity Certification
• Strada Scholar
• PHI HBCU Power Scholar 2023
• 2023 Moguls in the Making Scholar (TMCF)
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Medtronic Immersion Scholar 2023
• ZS SEED Immersion Scholar 2023 (TMCF)
• National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS)
• Sophomore Class Vice President 2023-2024
• Black Girls Code Alumnae
• NAACP Club
• Delaware State University: Computer Science Club Hackathon Winner (1st Place)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Freshman Class Corresponding Secretary 2022-2023
• Midnight Golf Program of Detroit Alumnae
• HBCU WEEK X FOSSI SCHOLAR 2022
• NAACP James Weldon Johnson Scholar 2022
• Inkster Dove Scholar 2022
• Pearls of Promise Scholar 20

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MGP Class: Class of 2019

Occupation: 1st year PhD student at Vanderbilt University studying semiconductor device physics focused on Gallium Nitride HEMTs(High Electron Mobility Transistors)

Your background: I am recent graduate of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University where I maintained Magna Cum Laude status while obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in VLSI (microelectronics). This was not the path I would have expected for myself as a high school senior. I accredit a big portion of my success on this path to MGP. In high school I was far from the top of my class and had no idea what college I wanted to go to or even what to major in. MGP gave me the opportunity to network with administration through the Road Trip for Success. I was able to obtain in-state tuition on top merit scholarship to attend school out of state. The only thing I needed to do was close the remaining financial gap. MGP blessed me with scholarships which paid for my first year of college. I was also able to make connections with assistant Dean of the college of Engineering who fortunately helped fund the next three years of college. I am truly appreciative of MGP for stressing the importance of building and maintaining relationships. By maintaining my relationships with professors and the administration, I was gifted with the opportunity to further my education fully funded at Alabama A&M. MGP provided the building blocks for me to build with. The life lessons I learned at Marygrove every Monday and Wednesday have helped shape me to be the professional I am.

Success Story and Highlights: I was hand selected for the PhD program fully funded at Vanderbilt University, while applying for a Master’s Program. During my college career, I’ve been awarded the following: Vanderbilt University Russel G. Hamilton Scholar, Vanderbilt University Nanoguide, TMCF Apple Scholar 2022-23, New Silicon Initiative Scholar 2022-23 for Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Alabama Space Grant Consortium Scholar 2023.

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MGP Class: 2023

Occupation: First Year College Student (Vanderbilt University)

Background: Before I came to Midnight Golf, I was relatively shy, as I found myself anxious when speaking to adults, uncomfortable presenting myself to large audiences, and unaware of how to network effectively. However, these were the skills that I quickly gained after spending my senior year in Midnight Golf. I made new friends, learned the wonderful sport of golf, and benefitted from Midnight Golf’s exclusive resources, such as scholarships, various event opportunities, and workshops. I truly believe I would not have the confidence I have today without the help of Midnight Golf. As I now attend Vanderbilt University, I understand how crucial it is for students to develop their independence. I know how to use my resources to get help when I need it. I understand the importance of making a name for myself on campus by introducing myself to professors, speaking to other students, and sitting in the front of class, and most importantly, I’ve learned how properly show my gratitude along the way. This knowledge has taken me much further than I imagined during my first year at Vanderbilt. 

Success Story and Highlights: As a Vanderbilt Freshman, I currently have a 3.7 GPA and, I am a Medicine, Health, and Society major. On campus, I am a member of Vanderbilt’s Programming Board, Pre-Dental Society, and Photography Society. When I’m not in class, I shadow at local dental offices in Nashville to gain experience in my dream profession. As I continue my journey in Nashville, I hope to get involved in research, become a Teacher Assistant for mathematics, and continue to prepare for dental school. During high school, I had the following extracurriculars: competitive dance, piano lessons, Delta Gems, Jack and Jill of America, The Debutante Club, and during my senior year, Midnight Golf. I had a 4.0 GPA at Detroit Country Day School where I was the president of Photography Club, cheer captain, and on the board of the Black Student Alliance. At the end of my senior year, I was granted over $260,000 (through the Cornelius Scholarship) to attend Vanderbilt University. I recognize the wonderful opportunities and experiences that I had before college. Midnight Golf is one of these many things. Regardless, it still took a lot of balancing, hard work, and dedication to get to where I am today. I am so grateful for my support system- my parents, friends, and especially my Midnight Golf Family for always supporting my goals, believing in my abilities, and making me feel like I can take on anything the world throws at me. 

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Dvontae’s leadership centers around helping his university become as diverse as possible. He has helped students from Detroit get interested in attending his HBCU. He also wants to connect people between the community and industry and has done some of that as a program manager intern at Bank of America.

“I want to be an ambassador or liaison for community volunteers at Bank of America,” he said.

This fall he will attend his second Strada Scholar conference in Atlanta, where he will meet other scholars, HBCU presidents, and other leaders. He has kept in touch with the scholars he met at the first conference.

“It was amazing to be able to interact and see their different experiences at different HBCUs,” he said. “We never really realize how unique our college experience really is.”

Being a Strada Scholar has changed his path. Dvontae switched his major from accounting to business management with a concentration in marketing.

His first leadership memory is in high school when his principal at the University of Detroit Jesuit asked him to round up other students to attend a Black Awareness Society for Education event. He told Dvontae that he was “a student they listen to.” Dvontae was able to encourage enough students to pack the auditorium.

From his time in Midnight Golf, Dvontae uses the networking and communication skills he learned through the program.

“I carry that with me and being prepared and writing thank you notes,” he said. “If you stay active with the program you get to see the importance of alumni and talk to students.”

MGP alumni Ricky Beasley (MGP ’22) and Malik Jenkins-King (MGP ’23) are also Strada Scholars.

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Monet hasn’t let her diagnosis stop her. As a Rhoden Fellow this year, Monet worked at the NCAA women’s final four in Dallas and shadowed her ESPN colleagues at the NFL draft in Kansas City.

She credits her Midnight Golf experience and relationships with helping her navigate networking and gaining experiences.

“It’s a family like no other,” she said.

Her advice to younger students: “Just focus on finishing although the journey may not be what you thought it would be.”

This spring Monet will graduate from Howard.

“I’ve still been able to do wonderful things,” she said.

Read her article in Andscape.

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