The 2026 Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) Application Opens Monday, January 26, 2026 at noon!
What is the Career Ready Early Scholar Program (CRESP)?
The Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) is a locally funded initiative sponsored by the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES). CRESP provides District scholars ages 9 to 13 with a chance to engage in comprehensive college and career exploration programming. The program provides a diverse and hands-on learning experience during the summer, gaining exposure to various topics such as financial literacy, college readiness, Communications, Healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Utility and Construction, Entrepreneurship and more.
Through CRESP, we empower scholars to:
- Earn incentives while developing valuable skills in occupational skills, academic, leadership, and personal enrichment, setting them up for success in their educational pursuits from grade school to higher education and beyond.
- Helping young scholars discover various college and career pathways and develop essential skills for their future.
- Experience learning in various settings throughout the District, including colleges, universities, as well as DC public, private, or charter schools.
Though CRESP is a short-term exploration program, our goal is to introduce our scholars to career and college-readiness, workforce and leadership development self-awareness and advocacy.
Eligibility
CRESP will provide programming for eligible District scholars who are:
- Between the ages of 9 and 13 years old;
- Nine years of age by September 30, 2026;
- Enrolled in middle school or elementary school; and
- A District resident or Ward of the State.
Program Dates and Times
- Summer Programming: Monday, June 29, 2026 – Friday, August 7, 2026
- All programs operate from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.