Empower Youth to See Real Change
In our third round of staff spotlights, we continue highlighting why we do the work we do here at DCAYA. Amy, our Director of Youth Re-engagement and Workforce Initiatives, shares how being empowered as a young person drives her commitment to youth advocacy today. My drive as a youth advocate originates from an upbringing I refuse to take for…
A Summer Youth Perspective on the Summer Youth Employment Program
This week, we’re bringing you an interview* on the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) to share the insights of a young person who has participated in the program for the last 4 years. Kameela is 17 years old, lives in Ward 7, and is working this summer at a garden run by her…

Amy Dudas Department of Transportation Budget Testimony
Good morning, Chairperson Cheh, councilmembers and committee staff and thank you for the opportunity to provide input as you consider the FY19 budget priorities of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). My name is Amy Dudas and I am testifying in my capacity as Director of ReEngagment and Workforce Initiatives with the DC Alliance of…

Amy Dudas Deputy Mayor for Education Performance Oversight Testimony
Good morning Chairman Grosso, fellow Councilmembers and committee staff, and thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony on the performance of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME). My name is Amy Dudas and I the Director of Re-engagement and Workforce Initiatives with the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates (DCAYA), a coalition of over 130…

Celebrating the Graduation of our Third Youth Workforce Leaders Academy Cadre
Earlier this month, DCAYA and our partners at the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) were thrilled to celebrate our third cohort of graduates from our Youth Workforce Leaders Academy (YWLA). Running strong for three years now, YWLA was developed with the support of the Community Foundation’s Greater Washington Workforce Development Collaborative.

Testimony from Amy Dudas for the Public Hearing on the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program Enhancement Act
Thank you, Chairperson Silverman, for the opportunity to provide input as the Committee on Labor andWorkforce Development solicits feedback on the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment ProgramEnhancement Amendment Act of 2017. My name is Amy Dudas and I am testifying today as a Ward 6 resident and Director of Re-engagement and Workforce Initiatives with…