Mayor Bowser Encourages Families and Young Adults to Sign Up for Career Development and After School Programming at the District’s Achievement Centers

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser was joined by Hilary Cairns, Director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), and Delano Hunter, Interim Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE), to highlight availability in career development and after school programming at the District’s Achievement Centers. The Achievement Centers are managed by DYRS and offer a range of programming led by expert staff who help young people develop their strengths and confidence. The programming is free of charge and open to all District youth ages 14 to 21.

“As families look ahead to the New Year and consider new opportunities, we want to make sure they know about our Achievement Centers. The programs at these centers are led by experts who understand our community and know how to reach young people, especially our older young people – teenagers and young adults,” said Mayor Bowser. “We also want families to know that if they are worried about their children, you don’t need to wait until your child is involved with DYRS to take advantage of DYRS programs. These programs are open to all 14- to 21-year-olds in DC, so call or go into an Achievement Center and see how we can help your family.”

The seven-week vocational program for 18- to 21-year-olds provides young adults with industry-aligned training to be able to pass recognized industry certifications. The academy employs experts in a variety of fields to teach youth the necessary skill sets to thrive in their chosen vocational field. The training includes preparation for industry-recognized exams and participation in work-based learning experiences that transition into employment opportunities, with a goal of receiving a Certificate of Completion and Job readiness upon completion. Young adults can register for the vocational program by walking into either Achievement Center or calling (202) 576-7299. The next program begins in January 2023 and will focus on tattoo artistry and microblading.

• Tattoo Artistry: This course will explore techniques like baseline and shading as they dip into ink. Students will start with guided activities on grapefruits and moving to synthetic skins. Students will learn proper aseptic techniques while focusing on optimal depth and ink distribution. Certifications: Blood Pathogen and Needle
• Microblading: This course will teach students the fundamentals skills. Students will learn color theory, color selection, brow mapping and design, determining the right depth, applying the correct pressure, and the proper three-way skin-stretch to use during procedures.

Both Achievement Centers also offer a wide range of after school programming for 14- to 18-year-olds, and both sites currently have openings.

Families and young adults can learn more about the Achievement Center programming by calling or visiting:

• 2101 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE | Phone: (202) 645-5787
• 450 H Street NW | Phone: (202) 576-7299

“We are excited to provide services to more of our young residents,” said Director Cairns. “Thanks to the Mayor’s investment, we’re able to work with community partners to give young people free, enriching out-of-school time activities and programs.”

To further enhance programming, DYRS recently released a request for applicants in the art and technology industries to submit proposals for innovating DYRS services. For applicants in the art sector, DYRS seeks proposals that provide an outlet for addressing emotional and/or problem behaviors through artistic opportunities. For applicants in the technology sector, DYRS is searching for proposals that introduce youth to skills in 3D design, printing, coding, digital photography, robotics, social media management, game design, and others. Selected applicants seeking funding will receive awards of approximately $40,000 each. The deadline for all grant applications is January 6, 2023, at 5 pm. Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] for consideration. To learn more about funding opportunities, visit DYRS.dc.gov.

With the My School DC lottery opening today at 12:00 p.m., the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement also highlighted their leadership program, which now provides in-school programming at three middle schools and three high schools across the District. The ONSE Leadership Academy is a school-based initiative providing mentorship, conflict mediation, and individualized supportive services to students in Kelly Miller, Kramer, and Paul Public Charter Middle Schools as well as Anacostia, Paul Public Charter, and Woodson High Schools. Families interested in obtaining more information or registering for the ONSE Leadership Academy should email [email protected] or to talk the administrative team at the middle and high schools where the program is currently offered.