By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
On Jan. 27 Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) announced the opening of the 2025 application period for the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP). District youth between the ages of 14 and 24, as well as employers interested in hosting participants, are invited to apply online at summerjobs.dc.gov.
“For 46 years, the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program has been a cornerstone of opportunity for young Washingtonians, helping them build confidence, explore careers and prepare for their futures,” Mayor Bowser said in a statement. “This year’s theme, ‘Banking on the Future,’ focuses on exposing young people to careers in finance while equipping them with essential financial literacy skills. Spread the word to families and businesses: it’s time to apply for the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.”
For nearly 50 years, MBSYEP has provided purposeful summer employment opportunities to D.C., youth, allowing them to earn income, develop vital skills and discover career options. Each summer, thousands of young people gain hands-on training and mentorship through partnerships with hundreds of local employers. These experiences provide participants with the tools needed to achieve long-term career success.
In 2024, nearly 12,000 youth participated in the program thanks to the support of approximately 800 host employers. 54 percent of these participants are residents of Wards 7 and 8. Building on this success, the 2025 program will run from June 24 to Aug. 2, offering a six-week work experience across both the public and private sectors. The application deadline for youth is March 6, while employers must apply by June 1.
2025 is the first year the Pathways to Finance Grant will be featured with the program. This grant was developed by the DOES Office of Youth Programs (OYP) and will provide high school students aged 16 to 18 with a specialized six-week learning experience. Participants will spend five weeks exploring careers in fields like accounting, economics, international finance and risk management through internships. Additionally they will be afforded opportunities for university visits and professional shadowing at leading financial institutions nationwide. Since 2019, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) High School Internship Program has supported MBSYEP participants entering their senior year by offering insights into financial services and federal government careers. OCC has pledged $5 million to support this program through 2030.
“We are so excited to continue another year where thousands of young people have an opportunity for their first job,” said Department of Employment Services Director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes in a statement. “MBSYEP gives youth the tools and supports they need to become the District’s future leaders in all aspects of life.”
Applications for the Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) are also now open and accepting submissions. This program is e-signed for middle school students aged 9 to 13 residing in the District, CRESP provides comprehensive career exploration opportunities.
The MBSYEP application kickoff event was hosted at ARTECHOUSE, a leader in digital and experiential art. Recognized for its innovative, technology-driven exhibits, ARTECHOUSE embodies the creativity and forward-thinking approach that aligns with MBSYEP’s mission to inspire and empower the next generation.
For more information about MBSYEP and CRESP, or to apply as a participant or host employer, visit summerjobs.dc.gov
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