The In-School Youth Program (ISP) continues to provide academic enrichment, career exploration, college preparation, employability training, internship opportunities, cultural enrichment, leadership development, case management and tutoring for all of our students. Established in 2008, ISP is funded by Department of Employment Services and we are a year-round program that is housed within the Columbia Heights community. We boast of 40 student participants who are successfully enrolled in the program.

IYP  students are ages 14-18 years-old and represent Wards 1-8. They attend DC public and charter schools. Several of our students come from low income communities, have been labeled special needs, face hardships and unusual circumstances, however they have the desire to learn, explore and grow gracefully into young adulthood.

Taking Students to the Next Level
The program’s mission is to assist students in their educational endeavors of earning a high school diploma or GED and prepare students for college, technical and or trade schools. We conduct monthly college workshops to assist with the college application process. Students that have vocational interests whether it is culinary arts, computers, construction, health care or in medicine, we provide employability training, job shadowing and internship opportunities.

Students learn how to complete job applications, develop resumes, cover letters and have participated in mock interviews. They have learned how to appropriately dress for an interview. They have learned the importance of making wise decisions, setting short-term and long-term goals and action steps that they must take. During summer 2009, 19 of our students interned at the Humane Society, Madness Apparel, Best Buy, Brookland Café and Fonzies Party Store.

Cultural and Recreational Enrichment Activities
We are not equipped with a big budget, however, we manage to expose our students to cultural and social activities and events that will provide them with the opportunity to explore and learn. Our students have visited the African Art Museum, the Aerospace Museum, Convention Center, Career expos and conferences. Other events included are bowling, go-cart racing and movie premiers. They have interviewed business owners in their communities to learn how to start their own business. They have also interviewed elders in the community to learn about making wise decisions.

Outcomes
Through our high academic tutoring in all academic subject areas, our high school seniors have a 100% graduation rate. Our seniors have received letters of acceptance to local colleges and universities that include University of the District of Columbia, Alegheny College, University of Maryland, Morgan State, University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and Howard University. Ninety percent of our students attend college and 10% attend vocational or technical school.