Resources for Young People in DC

 DCPL is a vibrant hub that fosters reading, learning, and community engagement — empowering individuals to embrace lifelong learning and contribute to a thriving city. To obtain a library card, complete the form found here. To find your local library of the twenty-six locations click here.

• Teen Council: The Teen Council is the District of Columbia Public Library's (DCPL) paid leadership opportunity for teens. The Council is made up of twelve members from across the District.
   
• Know Your Power: A civic engagement art contest presented by DCPL, Pepco, and the DC Public Library Foundation.
   
• Virtual Resources: Read, learn, and challenge your mind with the online resources below!
  • OverDrive & Libby: Borrow eBooks, Audiobooks, and digital magazines to read on your phone or tablet
     
  •  Freegal Music+: Download and stream music 24 hours a day from popular music labels
     
  • Mango Languages: Learn new languages and cultural skills
     
  • Comics Plus: Digital comics, graphic novels, and manga for all readers
     
  • Brainfuse HelpNow: Connect to live online tutors for homework help
     
  • Dig DC: Find photos, maps, oral histories, and newspapers documenting the history of Washington, DC
     
  • ProQuest eLibrary: ProQuest eLibrary is a user-friendly general reference tool that provides content, context and pathways to beginning researchers.
     
  • Gale Literature Resource Center: Access biographies, literary criticism, and reviews on writers of all disciplines, from all time periods, from around the world with Gale Literature.

DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR): DPR manages recreation centers citywide for special events, safe zones, fitness, and more. Use the interactive map to find the recreation center closest to you.

Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship: The Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship will provide 75 scholarships in the amount of $4,500 each for young adults ages 18–24, who have successfully attained a high school diploma or equivalent, participated in 2024 Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP), and enrolled in post-secondary education or occupational skills training or the military.

DC Tuition Assistance Grant: DCTAG was created by Congress in 1999 by the District of Columbia College Access Act; PL 106-98 and amended by DC College Access Improvement Act 2002 and DC College Access Improvement Act 2007 to expand higher education choices for college-bound residents of the District of Columbia. Currently, DCTAG recipients attend more than 300 colleges and universities. To learn if your college or university participates in DCTAG, please visit the list of participating colleges and universities.

Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Consortium Dual Enrollment Program: Is open to GPA and grade-level eligible DCPS students for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. GPA and grade-level eligibility is determined by each participating college/university.

District of Columbia Career and Technical Education (CTE): CTE learners harness their passions, prepare for life after high school, and connect to the continuously changing world of work. In Washington, DC, CTE meets the evolving needs of learners and decreases the skills gap for industries by combining academic and high-quality, real-world experiences. DC CTE students design their pathway to success in a career of choice.

DC Career Academy Network (DC CAN):  DC CAN is one component of the District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Strategic Plan which supports the establishment of NAF academies at DC Public and Public Charter high schools, thereby promoting the City’s mission to strengthen the pipeline to college and careers.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Cadet Academy:  The MPD Cadet Corps is a specialized program for 17- to 24-year-old Washingtonians to serve as uniformed, civilian employees. As a member of the Cadet Corps, you will earn a salary, while also taking college courses, and earn an associate’s degree – putting you on track to enter MPD’s Police Officer Recruit Program.

DC Fire and Emergency Management Systems (FEMS) Cadet Program: The Cadet Program is a one-year program that provides District of Columbia residents between the ages of 18 and 21 years old with the opportunity to become members of the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS).  During the program, Cadets attain their National Registry EMT, Firefighter I & II, and Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations Certificates. The Cadet participates in a departmental rotation, where they are exposed and acclimated to all aspects of the DC Fire and EMS Department.

DCPS Persists: DCPS Persists is a program dedicated to empowering and supporting graduates of DC Public Schools on their journey through higher education. At DCPS Persists, we believe in the potential of every student, and we’re here to provide the guidance and resources you need to succeed in college and beyond. Whether you’re navigating the transition from high school, exploring career possibilities, or seeking personalized support, DCPS Persists is your ally. Discover more about our program and the ways we can assist you on your path to success.
 

Office of Unified Communications' Junior Academy: The Office of Unified Communications' Junior Academy is a free five (5) week program exposing young adults to OUC career opportunities with hopes to onboard participants who have a passion for public safety and serving residents.

College Bound, Inc.: Vision is to make college a reality by adequately preparing students to matriculate and graduate from college through one-on-one mentorship, college tours, SAT prep classes, and scholarships.

The Abramson Scholarship Foundation (ASF): ASF provides financial assistance and comprehensive mentoring support to incoming college freshman through one-on-one mentoring, scholarships, and access to the ASF Advisory Network.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capitol Area: Big Brothers Big Sisters' One-To-One® mentoring services provide a comprehensive program to support a child's developmental needs. A dedicated mentor, known as a Big, spends quality time weekly with their mentee, known as a Little. Each match is carefully managed by trained staff, with ongoing support and supervision provided to both the Big, the Little, and their families.
 

DC Public Library (DCPL) Teen Special Events Volunteer: These volunteers support Library events such as author talks, concerts, open houses, youth programs and more. This is a great opportunity for teens who have limited time in their schedule and can commit to serving for one day or as needed. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

 

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Student Guide to Selecting Your Community Service Site.

Serve DC: Promotes volunteerism and service citywide through strategic outreach and engagement. Serve DC connects residents with volunteer opportunities, and fosters partnerships among community, faith-based organizations, the private sector, and government.

Black Swan Academy: Empowers black youth in under-served communities through civic leadership and engagement, giving them a comprehensive set of tools needed to become active social catalysts in their communities.

·        Contact Black Swan Academy for specific wards programming is offered. 

DC Action Youth Advisory Team: Youth Advisory Team members will advise DC Action staff and partners on relevant issues, add critical youth perspectives to our work, and collaborate to amplify youth voice overall. 

·        Programming in Ward 2

Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute: A year-round program to train District of Columbia youth in the concepts of leadership and self-development. Members of the Institute come from a wide cross-section of ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds, reflective of the general population of the city.  

·        Programming in Ward 7

Mikva Challenge DC: Develops youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable society through Project Soapbox, Youth Summits, and Issue-Based Councils. 

·        Contact Mikva Challenge for specific wards programming is offered

Washington DC Police Foundation (DCPF) Junior Cadet Program: Junior Cadet is a public safety program partnership between DCPF, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and DC Public Schools (DCPS). DCPF works with five public schools in the District where fifth graders enroll in the Junior Cadet Program. 

·        Contact DCPF Junior Cader Program for specific wards programming is offered.   

826DC: Free, year-round writing and publishing programs for DC students ages 6–18 through After-school Writing Labs, In-School Writing, and Workshops.  

·        Programming Ward 1

Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program: Equips students with essential skills in research, communication, and interviewing, preparing them for careers in journalism or other fields. It fosters a supportive community, providing direction and opportunities like exposure to industry leaders and even college scholarships. 

·        Programming in Ward 7 

·        Contact Salih.Williams@dc.gov for more information.

GALA (Grupo de Artistas Latino Americanos) Hispanic Theatre: A National Center for Latino Performing Arts which promotes the Latino arts and cultures with a diverse audience, creating work that speaks to communities today, and preserving the rich Hispanic heritage. 

·        Programming in Ward 1

Words Beats and Life Academy: Students innovate and excel with free after-school art classes for youth ages 12–18, young adults 18–22, and elementary classes for students in 3rd through 5th grade (ages 8–11). The culturally relevant curriculum engages students through hip-hop arts and history, building skills across multiple disciplines. 

·        Programming in Ward 1

 City Kids Wilderness Project: City Kids Wilderness Project is a non-profit organization founded on the belief that providing enriching life experiences for DC children can enhance their lives, the lives of their families and the greater community. Activities range from overnight trips where students can camp and go whitewater rafting in West Virginia, to day trips where students participate in ropes courses or boat trips on the Potomac River.  

·        Programming in Ward 1

 DC Way Soccer: Aim to provide an amazing and unparalleled soccer learning experience for all children ages 4–8. 

·        Programming in Ward 6

Fight for Children: Aims to help individuals, organizations, and communities leverage the power of sports to improve the lives of underserved youth.  

·        Programming in Ward 2

Midtown Youth Academy: Aims to prepare underserved youth for success in educational and future endeavors by helping them to develop skills, self-discipline and cohesive relationships through boxing. 

·        Programming in Ward 4

Nationals Youth Baseball Academy: Offers free programs designed to foster their positive character development, academic achievement, and improved health on and off the baseball field. 

·        Programming in Ward 7

After-School All-Stars DC: Mission is to provide comprehensive programs that keep children safe and help them succeed in school and life through year-round free, comprehensive programs and support services for students and their families. 

·        Contact After-School All-Stars DC for specific wards programming is offered

BEST Kids: A non-profit organization that empowers youth who are in foster care and at-risk to build healthy and successful futures through mentoring, college and career readiness and life skills programs.  

·        Programming in Ward 8

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington: Helps boys and girls of all backgrounds, especially those who need us most, build confidence, develop character and acquire the skills needed to become productive adults through critical thinking, physical, social, technological, artistic and life skills. 

·        Programming in Wards 2, 4, and 7

BUILD DC: Engages students from under-resourced communities through our four-year entrepreneurship, business development, and post-secondary readiness model and operates digital business incubators, in which student business teams launch and run their very own startups. 

·        Programming in Ward 1

DC Youth Empowerment: Provides tools and resources that expand students’ skills and abilities that will increase academic success, post-secondary transition, and social-emotional development to young men Ages 7–21. 

·        Programming in Ward 5

Higher Achievement: Aims to close the opportunity gap during the pivotal middle school years through individualized tutoring, mentoring, and social-emotional support.  

·        Programming in Wards 4, 5, 6, and 7

Horton’s Kids: Works to narrow the equity gap for children from low-income families through 1-on-1 tutoring, homework help, literacy intervention, and IEP support.  

·        Programming in Ward 8

Latin American Youth Center (LAYC): Provides over 50 programs and services to help youth become the best possible version of themselves pertaining to housing, education, wellness, and more. 

·        Programming in Ward 1 

Life Pieces to Masterpieces: Life Pieces’ Afterschool Program is entirely free for youth and families, and importantly, includes meals and safe door-to-door transportation to and from the program. The daily afterschool program includes homework help, computer training and art, academic enrichment, artwork, field trips, activities, and guest speakers. 

·        Programming in Ward 7

Reading Partners: Aims to help elementary school students master essential reading skills through a one-on-one tutoring model.  

·        Programming in Wards 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8

Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SYMAL): SMYAL’s youth programs provide queer and trans youth ages 6-24 with a safe space to express themselves and build community. Their engaging programs include fun activities like games, reading books, arts and crafts, and learning about LGBTQ+ history and culture. 

·        Programming in Ward 6

The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project: Aims to de-normalize and destigmatize gun violence in communities of color across the nation through creative youth development, gun violence awareness, professional development, and social events.

 

·        Contact The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project for specific wards programming is offered.   

Uniting Our Youth: Young people between the ages of 12–24 are welcome to visit the Uniting Our Youth Drop-In Center. At the Drop-In Center young people can receive support and participate in a variety of activities and projects designed to keep teens engaged. 

·        Programming in Wards 1 and 5 

Mayor Marion S. Barry’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP): Provides District youth ages 14–24 with enriching and constructive summer work experiences through subsidized placements in the private and government sectors.

 DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Summer Camps: Offer District families the opportunity to enroll their children in a variety of camps that foster development using a lottery system. Some of the camps offered include gymnastics and cheering, swimming, performing arts, culinary arts, and more.
 

Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Scholars Summer Enrichment Program:  OSSE Scholars provides high achieving, academically motivated students who exhibit financial need with the opportunity to attend selective summer college programs. As an OSSE Scholar, students attend top-tier universities across the country for rigorous summer courses. The program offers early exposure to college-level academics, navigating a college environment, and, at certain universities, earning college credit.

College and Scholarship Conversations: The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) hosts an invite-only event that connects high-achieving District of Columbia public and charter school students with both selective institutions of higher education (IHE) and supportive scholarship organizations.
 

Department of Employment Services (DOES) East of the River Career Pathway Program: Out-of-school youth ages 18–24 will receive occupational skills training, financial literacy, and work readiness training in the following fields: Information Technology, Construction, or Entrepreneurship.
 

DOES Career Ready Scholars Program: An exceptional opportunity open to all middle school students who reside in the District to engage in comprehensive career exploration. This program provides diverse hands-on experience for all participants in the areas of: Athletics, Business, Law and World/Global Affairs, Culinary Arts, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Design, Language Arts, STEM, Social Science and Culture/Humanities, Visual and Performance Arts, or Public Speaking.

DOES Out-of-School Program: The Out-of-School Program provides occupational skills training, career awareness counseling, work readiness modules, basic education, GED preparation, supported internship experiences, as well as vocational skills training. Training is currently provided in, but not limited to: Retail Services, Hospitality, Administrative Assistance (MOS), Information Technology, Culinary Arts, and Automotive Services.  Out-Of-School programs serve young adults ages 16–24 who are no longer attending secondary or post-secondary school.

DOES Pathways for Young Adults Program (PYAP): The Pathways for Young Adults Program is designed to assist out-of-school and out-of-work District residents ages 18–24 by combining occupational training, life skills development and work readiness instructions to connect them back to the world of work successfully.  The three areas of occupational training include allied health, administrative Services and basic IT/Admin. Tech.

Office of Youth Programs (OYP) High School Internship Program (HSIP): Provides District high school students ages 14–21 with paid work-based learning opportunities during the school year.

YAAY Me, Inc.: The PATHWAYS Program was created to assist out-of-school and unemployed District residents ages 21–35 by combining occupational training, life skills development, and work readiness instructions to connect them back to the workforce.

Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC): Create equitable healing and dignified experiences for survivors of crime by providing free, trauma-informed advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services.

DC Child Care Subsidy Program: The Child Care Subsidy Program assists families in Washington, D.C., with the cost of childcare. It provides support to families with low to moderate incomes or those facing special circumstances that require childcare assistance, helping them access high-quality education and care within the District.
 

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP): The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) oversees the FFVP at the federal level. At the state level, the program is managed by the State Agency (OSSE) within the Division of Health and Wellness, School Programs Team. Selected schools in the District of Columbia receive reimbursements for providing fresh fruits and vegetables to students at no cost during the school day.