Our Story

In 1993, the Bethel Institute for Community Development (BICD) was founded by Bethel AME Church in response to a growing need for support and intervention for high-risk youth in Greater Boston. At the time, gang violence and systemic inequities were leaving young people without safe spaces or meaningful opportunities to thrive. BICD began as a gang intervention program — a place where youth could find support, mentorship, and protection from the cycle of violence and instability.

The foundation for BICD was laid by Reverend Dr. Ray Hammond and Reverend Dr. Gloria White-Hammond, co-pastors of Bethel AME Church. Their deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by young people in Boston led to the creation of Generation Excel in 1993, a gang intervention and youth support program. Generation Excel provided a safe space for youth to build positive relationships and develop life skills, becoming the foundation for the broader work that BICD does today.

As the needs of the community evolved, so did BICD. Over the years, we expanded our focus from crisis intervention to holistic youth development — empowering young people not just to survive, but to succeed. We introduced academic and STEM programs to close the opportunity gap, creative arts to nurture self-expression, and wellness initiatives to help youth manage the emotional toll of systemic challenges. Our programs emphasize hands-on experiential learning, giving students real-world opportunities to explore, create, and lead.

Today, BICD is more than a program — it’s a movement. We've grown into a trusted community resource, serving hundreds of students each year through academic enrichment, creative expression, and emotional support. Our work continues to be rooted in the belief that when young people are given the tools, mentorship, and safe spaces they need, they will rise above circumstances and create pathways to success — not just for themselves, but for their communities.

What began as an intervention has become a foundation for growth, resilience, and excellence — shaping the next generation of leaders. The vision and leadership of Reverend Dr. Ray Hammond and Reverend Dr. Gloria White-Hammond remain at the heart of BICD’s mission, ensuring that young people in Boston have the resources, support, and hands-on learning opportunities they need to thrive.