In 1977, boxing trainer and counselor Eugene R. Hughes founded the Midtown Youth Academy (MYA) to combat the rising cycles of crime and drug addiction facing Washington, D.C. youth. By blending the discipline of boxing with robust educational programs—including tutoring in technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts—Hughes and a team of dedicated volunteers provided a vital constructive outlet for the neighborhood.
After serving as a community cornerstone at 2206 14th Street NW for over 40 years, the MYA board completed a three-year revitalization study and determined that a move was essential for the organization's growth. Now operating out of its new facility at 5332 Georgia Avenue NW, the Academy remains committed to its founder’s original vision, serving as a "Balance in the Community" for a new generation.