On June 28, 2026, at 10:00 am, 25 students aged 14-18 enthusiastically arrived at Richard Wright Schools and began their Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) experience. This experience did not disappoint.
MBSYEP is a DC-based summer jobs program for youth ages 14 to 24. The program offers a variety of job opportunities and career experiences for District of Columbia youth. The program is a six-week summer experience with both public and private employers hosting job opportunities. The goal is to help youth stay positively engaged throughout the summer. The program keeps youth off the streets and safe while teaching work responsibilities and introducing them to new skills and experiences that challenge their minds and expand their horizons. Youth are learning as they earn; a winning combination.
At the CYEP/Richard Wright Program, youth participants received so much during those six weeks. For example, each student learned about career paths in science, math, and technology. Also, students learned how to start a business and were taught life skills that help youth become successful adults.
During the first week, teens who selected the CYEP at Richard Wright STEAM participated in team-building activities that reinforced positive relationships and promoted greater trust among the group. This is an important work skill. Youth also worked on professional relational skills. After team-building and exposure to careers in the sciences and technology, it was time to practice hands-on activities.
junior agents in training uncover the truth from the evidence. (Photo Credit: Daniya
Howard)
Students arrived by 10:00 am, signed in on the SYEP time sheets, ate a nutritious breakfast, and proceeded to their assigned work stations. Failure to follow the procedures could result in not being paid, so students learned to follow procedures and protocols.
Mr. Stallings, the head of the Summer Program, motivated students each day by flooding them with positive messages about their brilliance and potential. That is how they started their day.
While one group started the day with scientific pursuits like engineering and/or forensics, the other group learned about the arts through musical theatre with Ms. Johnson, the dance theatre teacher and director of the Wright Dancers at Richard Wright. The program complemented the mind/body connection according to some participants.
In science, students designed and built a roller coaster. They also completed dissections. In each instance, they learned the vocabulary and techniques of the engineer or the forensic scientist. This reinforced the value of hands-on learning. That is what kept students coming back each day.
Several days a week, participants came together to learn about financial literacy and how to apply those skills.
During STEM classes, students learned physics and how to launch rockets. This class helped students develop the foundational cognitive and practical skills they need to navigate today’s highly tech-powered and driven world, according to teacher and facilitator Mr. Osumah.
his debut as the Scarecrow in “The Wiz” as his makeup is applied. (Photo Credit: Garrett Osumah)
In musical theatre, participants selected a musical to perform at the end of the six-week program. One group chose an excerpt from the Lion King play, while the other group “Eased on Down the Road” with a brief rendition of The Wiz. Most of the participants had never performed on a stage before, but they managed to come out of their shells and give amazing performances in such a short period
Financial literacy taught the importance of having a checking account, a savings account, and other essential financial information. This is important because these skills are not always discussed at home or taught in regular school time. This information helps youth navigate this complex real-world economy and, most importantly, manage their finances.
The CYEP and Richard Wright Schools were a perfect partnership this summer, creating an exciting, memorable, and essential learning experience for youth.
Daniya Howard is a junior at Richard Wright Schools.
