Preparing for the FY2020 Budget

As you may have heard, the Mayor’s proposed FY20 budget, A Fair Shot, was released Wednesday March 20th. After an initial scan and preliminary analysis, we’d like to share a few priorities that stand out as we enter agency budget hearings in the coming month. As always, if you’re interested in learning more, or getting involved in…

posted on April 1, 2019
read more

Budgets Are Moral Documents.

Budgets are moral documents. They reflect a community’s priorities and values. So, with the Mayor’s budget set to drop on March 20th, we wanted to share the investments we hope to see- and will be working for- in the coming few months. We can’t do this work without you, so take a read, and reach…

posted on March 6, 2019
read more

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…

posted on December 21, 2018
read more

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…

posted on July 11, 2018
read more

Big 2018 Budget Wins for DC Youth Part One

To highlight the fruits of your labor throughout the FY19 budget season, read on for more about the Council’s budget decisions impacting two of our four issue areas: Expanded Learning and Youth Workforce Development. Expanded Learning: $20.25 Million to OST Office of Youth Outcomes (Deputy Mayor for Education): This year, significant progress has been made…

posted on June 4, 2018
read more

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…

posted on April 9, 2018
read more
Amy Dudas testifying at DME Performance Oversight Hearing

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).

posted on February 13, 2018
read more
YWLA Session

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.

posted on January 17, 2018
read more
Amy Dudas testifying at DC Council

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 and Workforce Development solicits feedback on the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program Enhancement Amendment Act of 2017.

posted on January 10, 2018
read more

Arts Education Month: 3 Stories of 3 Ways Art Promotes Positive Youth Development

March is National Arts Education Month, and with today’s blog, we are highlighting the work of Project Create, a community-based nonprofit that promotes creative youth development through accessible arts education for children, youth and families experiencing homelessness and poverty in Washington, DC.

posted on March 8, 2017
read more