College Career & Beyond | Midnight Golf

College Career & Beyond | Midnight Golf Program (CCB/MGP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing Detroit’s most driven students to overcome barriers and develop the skills needed to achieve success in education, work, and life. The program was founded in 2001 by Renee Fluker, who recognized the positive impact golf had on her son’s life and was inspired to create opportunities for other young people to share in that experience.

CCB/MGP’s flagship initiative, Making Graduation Possible (MGP), creates pathways for talented and motivated students by increasing access to and success in college. Through the game of golf, students learn focus, mental fortitude, and essential life skills. The MGP program is supported by over 60 volunteer mentors, four College Success Coaches, and a Director of Student Support, who provide guidance to high school seniors and MGP alumni.

From mentorship and mindset coaching to admissions counseling, college tours, and financial aid guidance, CCB/MGP is committed to supporting students through graduation and beyond.

The Opportunity

In the fall of 2024, the Alternative Foundation connected with CCB/MGP to learn more about the organization and its impact. CCB/MGP’s dedication to equipping students with the tools and skills needed to become successful and engaged members of their communities was immediately evident. The team shared stories of students who were introduced to the game of golf and developed a growing passion for the sport.

The Road Trip for Success (RTFS) College Tour is one of the most transformative components of the MGP program. This weeklong, out-of-state travel and learning experience combines visits to multiple higher education institutions—including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and top-tier research universities—with cultural exploration and golf on prestigious courses.

For many students, this experience represents their first opportunity to travel beyond the region. RTFS allows participants to see firsthand the possibilities for their future while practicing the skills they have developed throughout the program year.

Beyond golf, students receive long-term mentorship, training, and resources aimed at removing the social and financial barriers that can limit access to postsecondary education. Beginning in their senior year of high school, CCB/MGP supports students in becoming empowered, independent, and socially responsible young adults with the tools needed to maximize their potential and positively impact their communities.

Ongoing Results

The Alternative Foundation provided $10,000 in grant funding to CCB/MGP to support the 18th annual Road Trip for Success in 2025. This funding helped facilitate RTFS for 184 high school seniors from March 23–29, 2025.

During the weeklong tour, students and 56 volunteer adult mentors departed from the CCB/MGP office to travel through parts of Alabama and Tennessee. Participants visited eight colleges and universities, where they engaged with current students, faculty, and admissions professionals. Students also practiced golf skills learned throughout the program under the guidance of esteemed PGA of Michigan instructors on prestigious regional courses.

In addition, students visited museums, historic landmarks, and cultural destinations while building meaningful connections with peers.

Major Accomplishments in 2025

  • 237 students completed CCB/MGP high school programming, including 30 weeks of intensive life skills training, mentoring, and coaching

    • The CCB/MGP Class of 2025 will attend 60+ colleges and universities this fall

    • 97% of students enrolled in college, securing more than 3,000 college acceptances, including:

      • University of Michigan

      • Michigan State University

      • Howard University

      • Alabama A&M

  • PGA Class 1A Professionals provided one hour of golf instruction per student per session (120 sessions total across the 30-week program)

  • Awarded $300,000+ in scholarship funding through CCB/MGP, donors, and corporate partners