(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a new partnership to create internship and mentorship opportunities for the District’s Boys and Men of Color Initiative (BMOC). This partnership between the DC Chamber of Commerce, Enlightened Inc., and the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation will support one-year paid internships with host businesses and organizations for 100 young men who read President Obama’s The Audacity of Hope as part of the District’s Boys and Men of Color Initiative.
“In order to create effective pathways to the middle class, we need to make sure that the next generations of Washingtonians have the tools they need to live, work, and thrive in the District of Columbia,” said Mayor Bowser. “This program will help give young men the experience they need to succeed in the workplace.”
The DC Boys & Men of Color Internship Program is a public-private partnership created by Mayor Bowser in response to recommendations from the young men who took part in The Audacity of Hope Book Challenge. In addition to job placement, each intern will be paired with a mentor at the host business, thereby receiving additional guidance on career, school, and life choices as well as knowledge of education and career pathways required for desired career options.
Public sector partners include the Executive Office of the Mayor, Department of Employment Services (DOES) and DC Public Schools (DCPS). The private sector is represented by the DC Chamber of Commerce, Enlightened, Inc. and DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation. Collectively, the partners will provide program infrastructure, work sites, training, financial resources and ongoing evaluation of the program.
“It is overdue that our young men have an adequate shot to be leaders in the workplace. In order to grow inclusive and robust communities, it is imperative that we expose our next generation to positively life-changing experiences,” said Ed Davies, Executive Director of the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation.
Today’s announcement is part of Mayor Bowser’s Pathways to the Middle Class Tour, a week-long effort leading up to the State of the District Address to highlight ways the Administration is helping to create Pathways to the Middle Class for DC residents.
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