On June 28, 2026, twenty‑five students ranging from 14 to 18 years old arrived at Richard Wright Schools in Washington, D.C., to begin the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP). The six‑week program, run by the District’s Youth Empowerment Program, pairs young people with public and private employers to provide paid work experience, career exploration, and life‑skill training.
Program goals and structure
MBSYEP is designed to keep District youth engaged, off the streets, and safe during the summer months. Participants earn a wage while learning workplace expectations such as punctuality, following procedures, and completing time‑sheet documentation. The program emphasizes both academic and practical skills, offering tracks in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), the performing arts, and financial literacy.
STEM and hands‑on learning
Students assigned to the STEM track spent mornings in a series of team‑building exercises that fostered trust and collaboration. They then moved on to hands‑on projects, including designing and building a model roller coaster, conducting forensic‑style dissections, and launching small rockets. Facilitator Mr. Osumah explained that these activities teach engineering vocabulary, scientific methodology, and problem‑solving skills essential for today’s technology‑driven economy.
Arts and performance
Meanwhile, the arts cohort worked with Ms. Johnson, director of the Wright Dancers, on musical‑theatre fundamentals. Over the weeks the group rehearsed excerpts from “The Lion King” and a medley titled “Eased on Down the Road,” featuring a brief rendition of “The Wiz.” Many participants had never performed on stage before, but the program’s supportive environment helped them gain confidence and showcase their talents at a final showcase.
Financial literacy
Several days each week were dedicated to teaching basic financial concepts. Youth learned the importance of checking and savings accounts, budgeting, and responsible money management—topics often omitted from standard classroom curricula and sometimes not discussed at home. Organizers stressed that these lessons equip teens to navigate the real‑world economy as they transition to adulthood.
Daily routine and mentorship
Each morning, students signed in on SYEP time sheets, ate a nutritious breakfast, and reported to their assigned workstations. Mr. Stallings, head of the summer program, provided daily motivational messages, reminding participants of their potential and encouraging them to apply themselves fully. The structure reinforced the “learn as you earn” philosophy that underpins the program.
Community impact
The partnership between the Capital Youth Empowerment Program and Richard Wright Schools created a memorable, skill‑building summer for the participants. By exposing teens to career pathways in science, technology, the arts, and finance, the program aims to broaden horizons and lay a foundation for future success. Daniya Howard, a junior at the school, reflected that the experience helped her discover new interests and confidence for the future.
Overall, the MBSYEP summer initiative demonstrates how local schools and city programs can collaborate to provide meaningful, paid opportunities that prepare D.C. youth for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
