(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser proudly announced that approximately 15,000 young people from the District of Columbia are participating in the 47th year of the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP). This initiative, celebrated during a recent event at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, provides paid work experiences, career exploration opportunities, and skill-building programs for youth aged 9 to 24 across nearly 700 worksites in the city.
“For nearly five decades, MBSYEP has helped young people earn their first paycheck, build confidence, and discover new opportunities for their future,” stated Mayor Bowser. She emphasized the importance of investing in the youth of Washington, DC, noting that the program was founded by Mayor Marion S. Barry in 1979 with the vision of creating pathways to success for District youth. As the largest summer youth employment program in the country on a per capita basis, MBSYEP has facilitated meaningful work experiences for hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians over the years.
In an effort to enhance the program’s impact, Mayor Bowser has expanded eligibility to include residents aged 22 to 24 and has strengthened connections to education and training resources. “Each summer, we are proud to grow Mayor Marion Barry’s legacy,” said Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes, Director of the Department of Employment Services (DOES). “This year, nearly 15,000 participants are not just preparing for their next job; they are stepping into their potential.”
Since 2015, more than 126,000 youth have participated in MBSYEP, earning over $130 million at more than 3,700 host sites throughout the District. The program also includes the Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship, which has awarded over $2.4 million to participants pursuing higher education across 164 colleges and universities nationwide.
The event at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy highlighted the importance of early engagement in education and career pathways. The Academy, located in Ward 7, serves as a vital resource for youth in Wards 7 and 8, providing free academic, athletic, and enrichment programming. Since its inception, the Academy has positively impacted the lives of over 7,000 young people in the District, reinforcing the commitment to invest in the future of Washington, DC.
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