The Department of Employment Services' Middle School Exploration program launched in 2019 as an exceptional opportunity open to all middle school students who reside in the District to engage in comprehensive career exploration. This program provides a 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
- Public Speaking
Interested Middle School youth can complete the Middle School Exploration Interest Form.
Current Program Vendors:
Bayne LLC Middle School Career Exploration Camp
The Bayne LLC Middle School Career Exploration Camp provides students with an early introduction to career planning and an opportunity to explore different career paths. The camp focuses heavily on STEM and Media career paths and includes a combination of classroom and hands-on activities. The camp also includes accomplished and dynamic guest speakers.
E-mail: [email protected] | Telephone: (202) 656-4852
Dramatic Solutions, Inc.
This partnership with Dramatic Solutions, Inc. and the Department of Employment Services invites middle schoolers to participate in the Master Series of our Signature- "Career Exploration through Drama" with a focus on social and emotional development and financial literacy. This trauma-informed care model is consistent with ensuring that participants are exposed to basic career competencies, and soft skills. This unique experience will build confidence and start youth on a pathway to understanding what careers are available to them.
E-mail: [email protected] | Telephone: (202) 438-7031
Chart Academy Middle School Career Exploration Program
The Chart Academy Middle School Career Exploration Program provides career exploration in the Arts, Athletics, STEM and Public Safety. Youth attend field trips and excursions to FedEx Field, the Supreme Court, United States Capitol, Artechouse with drama and acting sessions. Giving middle school students the chance to explore careers ultimately illuminates new pathways, inspires the next generation of innovators, and provides exposure to careers that exist within their own city.
E-mail: [email protected] | Telephone: (202) 525-1135
Carolina Canyon Co. Middle School Discovery
The Carolina Canyon Co. Middle School Discovery Week is a comprehensive, one-week program aimed at fostering holistic growth in Washington D.C. middle school students. Incorporating a wide range of disciplines such as athletics, business, STEM, arts, and trauma training, the program broadens students' perspectives, builds resilience, and encourages personal growth. Field trips to significant cultural and civic institutions enhance civic awareness. Ultimately, the program seeks to inspire passion, bolster self-confidence, and cultivate a sense of community among students, thereby indirectly contributing to the reduction of crime rates by providing constructive engagement and fostering positive personal development.
Email: [email protected] | Telephone: (202) 505-1978
The College Gurl Foundation (CGF)
The College Gurl Foundation (CGF) in partnership with DC Department of Employment Services, Office of Youth Programs will conduct an innovative Middle School Exploration Program for DC residents ages 9-13 that will empower them to dream bigger than their zip code. Participants will be exposed to college, careers, financial literacy, art, entrepreneurship, guest speakers, and much more! Our mission is to create life changing programs that build beautiful futures for youth to become the next future leaders of tomorrow.
Email: [email protected] | Telephone: (202) 699-1558
The Capital Youth Empowerment Program
The CYEP STEM: Think Like an Engineer is a 2-week program that provides 35 Statesmen students with soft and technical skills training opportunities and explores STEM career pathways. This enrichment program aims to enhance teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. The program will cover essential life skills, including financial literacy, the importance of networking, and leadership development.
E-mail: [email protected]
Captivate Perspectives Program
Captivate Perspectives will provide a high quality and engaging program. The program will cover the following topics college and career readiness, financial literacy, teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. study skills development. Through interactive and applied learning sessions middle school students will have a dynamic 2-week experience on a college campus.
E-mail: [email protected] | Telephone: (202) 559-8991
Quality People Solutions
The Pre-Teen 360 Professional Development Program is focused on residents ages 9-13. It is a cohort-focused program aiming to provide work readiness principles as well as personal and professional development training. This program is a pilot precursor for SYEP that will help lay the tracks for participants in their path to successful work and entrepreneurship experiences in the future.
E-mail: [email protected] ,Silas Grant, Founder of Quality People Solutions | Telephone: (202) 498-4196
Interested Vendors can submit proposals through FY2023 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).pdf (dc.gov)
Question? Email [email protected].