Washington, D.C. — The Washington Literacy Center celebrated the graduation of 30 students who completed its five‑week Learning Skills for Life bartending program. The ceremony took place on Sept. 30 at the R.I.S.E Demonstration Center, highlighting the nonprofit’s commitment to providing practical job skills and financial education to residents of the District.
Program details and participant experiences
Each weekday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants received instruction in bartending techniques, life skills, and financial literacy. Graduates described the program as a bridge from strangers to a supportive family. “We were strangers in the beginning and we kind of became a family towards the end of the program,” said graduate Rafanece Matthews, who discovered the opportunity through a Craigslist ad.
For experienced bartender Ikechukwu Tobechi, the program offered a chance to obtain a formal license. “I thought it would be good if I had my license since I was already bartending at the time,” Tobechi explained.
Other students, such as Jhanazia Patrick, plan to combine bartending with culinary ambitions, hoping to eventually host their own events. “It wasn’t just about learning about drinks; it was about tying everything together,” she said.
Economic outlook and local impact
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth in bartending employment from 2025 to 2035, outpacing the average for all occupations. The median wage for bartenders in the District is $16.51 per hour, with top earners making over $35 per hour—more than double the average entry‑level service wage.
With an unemployment rate of 5.7% for D.C. residents as of August 2026, the program addresses a pressing need for stable, well‑paid work. “We are trying to boost our students’ educational outcomes and this is open to anyone in the city,” said Jimmie Williams, president and CEO of the Washington Literacy Center.
Funding and organizational resilience
The Center, founded in 1963, has long focused on literacy and workforce development. Two years ago, it faced a severe financial shortfall, losing $260,000 within a six‑day notice period. Williams described the crisis as a turning point: “We really had to figure out how to operate together again, and that’s what we did. We pivoted. We’re still here, we’re still surviving.”
In late June 2026, the D.C. Council approved $1.4 million for the Center through the Fiscal 2027 Budget Support Act, helping to sustain its free educational programs. The funding arrives as 22% of District adults struggle with basic literacy tasks, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Community stories and legacy
Long‑time instructor Tyeshia Burton emphasized the program’s financial‑literacy component, noting its life‑changing potential for single parents and other vulnerable participants. Burton also remembered the late Cheyenne Henderson, a former student whose perseverance inspired peers. In her honor, the Center created a Student Leader and Inspiration award to recognize current students who embody Henderson’s spirit.
Williams concluded the ceremony by reaffirming the Center’s mission: “We’re still teaching valuable workforce skills. We’re still changing lives, and I think we have a lot of people here that will tell you that.”
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
