This summer’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) exemplified City Kids’ commitment to intentional, community-centered programming that transformed Washington, DC into a dynamic classroom for career exploration. The six-week journey created meaningful connections between current participants and alumni, fostering a network of inspiration and mentorship that demonstrates the lasting impact of the organization’s work.

Central to the program’s success was its extensive partnership network, bringing together local organizations, government agencies, museums, and businesses to provide authentic learning experiences. From environmental community service and advocacy work with Ward 8 Woods to learning medical skills such as CPR with DC Fire and EMS, these collaborations created pathways for youth to explore diverse career possibilities while building deep community connections.

The program’s holistic approach combined paid work experience with thematic exploration, ensuring participants didn’t just clock hours but embarked on transformative experiences. Alumni engagement was woven throughout, with graduates like Isaiah Aladejobi and Rob Brown returning as mentors and role models, creating a powerful cycle of community investment and demonstrating tangible proof of the program’s long-term impact on participants’ lives and careers.  

Public Lands

Participants connected to DC’s natural spaces while exploring environmental stewardship and social justice intersections.

Highlights: Anacostia River boat tour, community cleanups, Smithsonian National Zoo visit, Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum exploration

Thank you to our partners: Anacostia Riverkeeper, Ward 8 Woods, Washington Parks and People

Food Justice and Community Supported Agriculture

The week examined food equity issues through multiple lenses, from environmental racism to culinary arts and urban planning.

Highlights: Volunteering with community food access initiatives, exploring food systems at the Food: Transforming the American Table Smithsonian exhibit, mapping food access across DC neighborhoods, hands-on service addressing food insecurity

Thank you to our partners: DC Greens, The Green Scheme, DC Central Kitchen

Voices of the Movement

Participants explored storytelling and media as powerful tools for social change and community engagement.

Highlights: Behind-the-scenes tour of professional broadcasting, podcast creation with interview techniques training, narrative structure development, language and communication skill building, visit to the Planet Word Museum

Thank you to our partners: NBC 4 Studios, Planet Word Museum

Creative Hustle

Alumni engagement took center stage as participants learned from program graduates while exploring creative expression.

Highlights: Art workshops with Isaiah Aladejobi (PzayCreates), visit to Grounded DC, Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC exhibit at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

Thank you to our partners: Isaiah Aladejobi (City Kids alumnus), Grounded DC, Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

Get Your Money Right

Critical financial literacy skills were addressed through dynamic workshops and real-world connections to economic systems.

Highlights: College financing exploration, Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour, budgeting and financial planning workshops, investment strategy sessions, personal brand marketing workshop with ByRobBrown, Washington Mystics game

Thank you to our partners: Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Opportunity Network, BankOnDC, Rob Brown (City Kids alumnus), Monumental Sports

Wellness Week

The program concluded with comprehensive wellness programming addressing multiple dimensions of health and well-being.

Highlights: Social and physical wellness activities, financial wellness sessions on major purchases and investments, CPR training with emergency responders, Stop the Bleed trauma response training, alternative wellness career exploration, SYEP Summer Celebration pool party at Volta Pool

Thank you to our partners: Barre3, DC Fire and EMS, Howard University Hospital Trauma Unit, DC Department of Parks and Recreation

Looking Forward

This year’s programming demonstrates City Kids’ commitment to expanding opportunities and deepening community connections through meaningful youth employment that extends beyond job skills to encompass personal development, community engagement, and social awareness. As participants return to school this fall, they carry new skills, expanded networks, professional confidence, and a deeper understanding of their role in creating positive change within their communities—the true measure of a successful summer program.