The 2025 Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP)
Application Opens Monday, January 27, 2025 at noon!
What is the Career Ready Early Scholar Program (CRESP)?
The Career Ready Early Scholar Program (CRESP) is a locally funded initiative sponsored by the Department of Employment Services (DOES). CRESP provides District scholars aged 9 to 13 - who are in middle school or elementary school – a chance to engage in comprehensive college and career exploration programming. This program provides a diverse and hands-on experience during the summer, helping young scholars discover various college and career pathways and develop essential skills for their future.
Through CRESP, we empower scholars to:
Earn money while developing valuable skills in academic, leadership and personal enrichment, setting them up for success in their educational pursuits from grade school to higher education and beyond,
Gain exposure to various topics such as financial literacy, college readiness, healthcare, public safety, STEM, entrepreneurship, AI/Robotics and film, music, entertainment and more;
Experience learning in various settings throughout the District, including colleges and universities, as well as DCPS public, private or charter schools.
Though CRESP is a short-term exploration program, our goal is to introduce our scholars to career and college-readiness, workforce and leadership development and self-awareness and advocacy.
Eligibility:
District scholars must be between 9- 13 years old. Youth can be 8 years old to enter the program however you must be 9 years old by September 30, 2025.
Program Dates and Times:
Spring Cohort Session: Monday, April 14, 2025, to Friday, April 18, 2025
Summer Cohort Session: Monday, June 23, 2025 – Friday, August 1, 2025
All programs operate from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Important Documents