By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) kicked off the 46th annual Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP), one of the nation’s longest-running summer youth employment programs, on June 23. The program works with District youth from ages 14 to 24.
“For 46 years, the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program has been an important tool for not only keeping teenagers engaged throughout the summer, but helping them meet mentors, learn new skills and earn money,” said Bowser in a statement. “I’m proud of the young people who are starting at their placements this week and I’m grateful for all the host organizations that will make this summer a meaningful experience for our youth.”
MBSYEP works alongside hundreds of employers to connect thousands of young people with opportunities to earn money over summer break while exploring potential career paths and building skills that will prepare them for a successful career. This year, the program is expected to serve around 13,000 youth, while over 700 organizations have enlisted as host sites.
Another program that is tied into that youth will engage in this summer is the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, which provides young people with opportunities to build their skills and become future leaders.
“My leadership journey began right here at the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute in the summer of 2021,” said Judith Iweanoge, the 2024-2025 D.C. Youth Mayor, at the press conference. “Since then, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles. From Ward 5 councilmember, to youth at-large councilmember and as chairperson…this program has played a pivotal role in shaping my leadership skills and providing me with meaningful opportunities to grow and contribute to our community.”
Bowser also celebrated the third year of Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP), which serves District youth ages 9 to 13, giving them the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate curriculum and activities that allow them to experience an array of college and career pathways and develop essential life skills.
“For decades, the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program has given D.C. youth a fair shot at success, and for the past three years the Career Ready Early Scholars Program has ushered our youth into imagining their future through work and I’m thrilled about what’s ahead,” said Unique Morris-Hughes, director of the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) in a statement. “Each summer, thousands of young people gain valuable work experience, life skills and career exposure. This year, we’re deepening that impact and launching the new Pathways to Finance Grant, which will open even more doors in the finance industry for our young people.”
The Pathways to Finance Grant, which is supplied through DOES’ Office of Youth Programs, is a unique learning experience for high school students in the District, ages 16 to 18. Over six weeks, grantees will host students who will engage in internships and career exploration in fields such as accounting, economics and risk management. Students will then get to travel to universities and shadow professionals on the job at leading financial firms.
For further information about MBSYEP and CRESP, go to summerjobs.dc.gov.