DC Schools are on the Rise

October 21, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 37

Dear Washingtonians,

In recent years, DC Public Schools and public charter schools have made remarkable progress. We’re proud of the fact that the District has the fastest improving urban school district in the nation.

This week, my Administration announced that enrollment is up for the seventh consecutive year and the graduation rate went up by 4 percent in the last school year.

That type of change doesn’t happen on its own - it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, administrators, coaches, and families.

While the District continues to make progress, we need to accelerate the pace of reform to ensure that all of our students have the knowledge they need to succeed in school and in the workforce. That is why today, I announced community school grants for J.O. Wilson Elementary School in Ward 6 and Latin American Youth Center Cardozo Community School in Ward 1.

These grants will provide vital programming that will help put our young people on pathways to the middle class.

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

Mayor

Become a DC Resident Snow Team Volunteer

Days are getting shorter and the temperature dropping means one thing - the first snow of the season may not be too far off. Your District government is hard at work preparing for snow. On Friday, the District’s Snow Team is holding a “dry run” to train and test equipment. Additionally, ServeDC is kicking off their effort to recruit volunteers for the DC Resident Snow Team. Volunteers will help seniors and residents with disabilities shovel snow this winter. ServeDC will host sessions to train residents in anticipation of severe weather.  To sign up to be a part of the DC Resident Snow Team, visit here.

Youth Creating Change

This past Sunday, ABC News’ This Week profiled the Youth Creating Change program, a Metropolitan Police Department community service initiative to strengthen the bond between police officers and young people from some of DC’s neighborhoods most affected by crime. Officers take the District youth on activities like canoeing and hiking. Youth Creating Change is one way the District is working to strengthen relations between our community and MPD.  You can view the entire segment here.

DC, A National Leader in Green Power

On Monday, the District received a Green Power Leadership Award from the Obama Administration for our application of green technology throughout the city. Earlier this year, my team announced a groundbreaking agreement that allows the District to purchase 35 percent of its energy from a wind farm in Pennsylvania. The deal will save the District around $45 million dollars over the next 20 years, exemplifying how the District is working to boost our economy while creating a greener and healthier city. Read more about the Obama Administration’s award HERE.

Small Businesses + Google = Innovation 

The Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity (DMGEO) recently launched a partnership with Google to provide resources to District small businesses. More than 200 local entrepreneurs attended our inaugural workshops at Google DC Headquarters in Ward 6.  DMGEO and Google, along with the Department of Small and Local Business Development, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the Mayor’s Office of African-American Affairs, hosted a workshop for artists and one for small business owners on how to get a business on Google maps, how to build a free website, and how to expand a business’s reach online. This is one innovative way we’re supporting small businesses. To stay in the loop about future events, you can email the Deputy Mayor's Office at dmgeo.dc@dc.gov.

FitDC Ward 8 Walk

On Saturday morning, I will join residents from Ward 8 for a FitDC Walk, starting at Fort Stanton Recreation Center. FitDC promotes healthy living by encouraging friends and neighbors to participate in activities that get us moving. Come down to Fort Stanton Recreation Center this Saturday to join us. Learn more at www.fitdc.com.

#IAmMBSYEP Job Spotlight: Lionell Gaines, Mayor's Office of African-American Affairs

This week’s #IAmMBSYEP is Lionell Gaines, a 24-year-old from Ward 5.

This summer, Lionell was the Youth Program Assistant at the District's YWCA, where he assisted with the recruitment and development of the Empower STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Summer Academy. He worked with YWCA’s donors and partners to showcase the impact of introducing STEAM in fun and engaging ways. When asked how MBSYEP helped him start a career, he replied,

“My experience in MBSYEP was fundamental to improving my personal network, receiving mentorship, and making opportunities possible that were often out of reach.”  

Lionell also shared how his summer position helped him grow his skillset.

“I received an understanding of how nonprofits work, practical ways of showcasing STEM opportunities to youth, and collaborated with groups like the DC STEM Network.”

Lionell is now a paid full-time intern in the Mayor’s Office of African-American Affairs, where he will work with the community, assist with proposal writing, participate in event planning and more. We are happy to have Lionell join the team and he has already been a huge asset to this new office.

Pathways to the Middle Class - Job Announcement: Program Support Assistant, Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE)

The Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) is seeking a recent high school or GED graduate with one to two years work experience to join their team as a Program Support Assistant. This person will perform administrative, program, and technical work that may include composing and reviewing correspondence, coordinating reports, and receiving requests for information from other agencies. For more information or to apply for this position, click here.

Stay in contact with me and my Administration online. Like me on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter @MayorBowser to stay up to speed. Follow my team, @TeamMuriel, for the latest news and information from the John A. Wilson Building and District government agencies. Follow me on Instagram @Mayor_Bowser for even more updates on what's happening around town.  Lastly, find our online picture albums on Flickr.