At City Kids, we believe that strong communities are built intentionally. They require practice, commitment, and the courage to grow together. This year, we’re excited to deepen that work through a new partnership with the DC Office of Human Rights Youth Bullying Prevention Program (YBPP), designed to equip our Leadership Cohort with the skills and awareness needed to create spaces where everyone belongs.

Our Class of 2029 Leadership Cohort, 9th graders, stands at an important threshold. These young people spent their formative years navigating a world disrupted by the pandemic, missing critical opportunities to develop social skills in community settings. As they prepare to step into leadership roles as our high school JET (Job Experience Trainees) participants this summer, we’re investing in their growth. We want to help them build the relational skills that will allow them to embody our values and honor code.

A Partnership Rooted in Prevention and Empowerment

The DC Office of Human Rights Youth Bullying Prevention Program brings specialized expertise in creating safer, kinder youth spaces across the District. YBPP works alongside our participants to explore what it means to build truly inclusive communities through a series of workshops held at DC Public Libraries, including Anacostia Library and MLK Library.

This partnership expands City Kids’ footprint in the DC community while providing our youth with access to professional facilitators who specialize in youth development. 21 participants were invited to participate in both virtual and in-person workshops, framed as “Leadership Real Talk” and “From Camper to Leader.” The workshops kicked off with an intention-setting session prior to summer camp in 2025 and have continued this year. Through these sessions, participants make commitments to building a more inclusive community, preparing to take the next step in their City Kids journey as JETs and role models for younger participants.

Rather than simply being told to “be kind” or “don’t bully,” our Leadership Cohort is gaining practical tools through hands-on exploration of real-life scenarios. Each workshop builds upon the previous one, creating a progressive learning journey. 

Self-Awareness and Recognition: Youth explore their own experiences with exclusion and belonging. They develop awareness of how their actions impact others and learn to recognize when community members might be struggling.

Creating BRAVE Spaces: Participants discover how to build environments where truth can be spoken, differences can be discussed respectfully, and authentic connection can flourish.

Navigating Difference with Curiosity: Youth learn about diverse identities, cultures, and experiences. They develop the skills to educate themselves respectfully rather than placing the burden of explanation on others.

Accountability and Repair: When conflicts arise or mistakes are made, they practice taking ownership, regulating their emotions, and restoring relationships.

Finding Common Ground: The workshops help participants elevate shared values and experiences while honoring what makes each person unique.

From Camper to Leader

These workshops are preparation for real leadership. As these youth transition from campers to JETs, they’re developing the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills that will enable them to create welcoming environments for younger City Kids participants.

The City Kids model of long-term engagement with small cohorts through outdoor adventure and experiential learning already nurtures connection and community. “Building community at City Kids is about creating a space where everyone can show up as their true selves,” said N’Dea Stewart, Elite and Leadership Program Manager. “Through physical challenges like hiking, climbing, and kayaking—those things are hard for everybody—people connect through these shared experiences. Over time, being with the same people and overcoming those challenges together just builds a stronger community.”

The YBPP workshops enhance this foundation by giving youth the language and tools to navigate the interpersonal dimensions of community-building with the same intentionality they bring to physical challenges.

The impact is already evident. “Even after the very first couple of sessions we had, I noticed a positive impact in the dynamics of the group,” N’Dea shared. “Especially during our last Leadership overnight trip, I saw them putting in more effort to connect with one another. When one participant shared something personal, the others offered words of acceptance and support. It was wonderful to see the kids opening up and finding commonalities with each other.”

Post-trip surveys for the Leadership cohort demonstrate measurable growth: 82% of participants report they feel more connected to their peers, and 100% said they felt safe and supported by City Kids adults.

Growing Together

This partnership reflects our commitment to being a community where every member can thrive. By investing in our Leadership cohort’s social and emotional development now, we’re strengthening the entire City Kids community for years to come.

The skills youth develop through these workshops will serve them far beyond our programs. Self-awareness, empathy, accountability, and bridge-building across differences create strong families, healthy workplaces, and thriving communities. This work transcends bullying prevention, actively cultivating young leaders who can navigate social complexity with grace and build spaces where everyone belongs.

To learn more about the DC Office of Human Rights Youth Bullying Prevention Program, visit [website]. To support City Kids’ initiatives like these, visit citykidsdc.org/donate.