The 2026 Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) Application is closed.
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.
Important Documents:
2026 Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) Scholar and Parent Handbook
2026 CRESP Eligibility Document Checklist
Office of Youth Programs Parent Consent Form.pdf
Current Program Vendors
Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP)
CYEP's 2026 Summer Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) is a six-week, in-person summer experience designed to help middle school youth explore careers, build job-readiness skills, and grow as confident leaders. Through hands-on activities, group projects, and interactive workshops, scholars strengthen essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and goal setting. This year, the program places a special focus on careers in medical and health-related industries, while also introducing participants to a variety of other career pathways.
Youth will engage with guest speakers, participate in educational field trips, and participate in lessons that connect classroom learning to real-world careers. CRESP also emphasizes social-emotional development by building confidence, encouraging positive decision-making, and helping scholars recognize their strengths. By the end of the summer, participants leave with greater career awareness, increased self-confidence, and a clearer vision for their future.
Program Industry: Healthcare
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 8
Carolina Canyon Corporation (CCC)
In partnership with DOES Office of Youth Programs (OYP), Carolina Canyon Corporation is excited to launch CRESP 2026 – a high-energy, six-week summer experience designed to spark curiosity and build confidence for scholars ages 9–13.
This year, our focus is Engineering. Scholars will get hands-on with real-world design challenges as they explore engineering concepts, building and prototyping, robotics, coding, and beginner-friendly Artificial Intelligence (AI) through fun, team-based projects. Along the way, they’ll strengthen leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills – plus enjoy sports, dance, and creative enrichment that keeps the summer engaging and well-rounded.
The experience is brought to life through inspiring field trips that connect scholars to local culture, innovation, and community landmarks – including visits to spaces where engineers and builders bring ideas to life every day. Join us at Trinity Washington University for a summer of discovery, creativity, and engineering-powered growth – where scholars don’t just learn about the future, they start building it.
Program Industry: STEM – Engineering
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 5
The Chart Academy
The Chart Academy’s White Coat STEM Immersion is a fun, hands-on summer experience designed to build curiosity, confidence, and foundational Science, Technology, Engineering and Math skills in a supportive college environment. Hosted on the campus of Gallaudet University, the program immerses students in project-based learning that blends math, science, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students participate in weekly field trips, enjoy daily enrichment clubs – including gaming, culture, arts, and athletics – and eat lunch in a college cafeteria, offering a true taste of campus life. A signature White Coat Ceremony formally welcomes students as junior scientists, reinforcing pride and responsibility. The program concludes with a celebratory Closing Banquet at Maggiano’s Little Italy, where families gather to celebrate student growth and achievement. White Coats STEM Immersion helps students see themselves as capable, confident scientists with bright futures.
Program Industry: STEM: Science and Math
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 5
CompuRecycling Center
CompuRecycling Center’s Junior Medical Ascension is an engaging early-career exploration program designed to spark curiosity and confidence in healthcare among youth ages 9 to 13. Delivered through the DOES CRESP Healthcare Pathways, Junior Medical Ascension introduces young scholars to the world of health and medicine in an age-appropriate, hands-on, and inspiring way. Junior Medical Ascension emphasizes foundational health knowledge, wellness awareness, and teamwork while exposing participants to how healthcare professionals support individuals and communities. Youth gain introductory exposure to healthcare concepts including basic first aid, CPR awareness, and understanding vital signs. Rooted in CompuRecycling Center’s experiential learning models, Junior Medical Ascension reflects a broader mission to build early confidence, curiosity, and motivation around future career possibilities in medicine and healthcare.
Program Industry: Healthcare
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 3
Dramatic Solutions, Inc. (DSI)
Act Out: Your Voice Takes the Stage! Dramatic Solutions’ high‑energy summer career exploration program is for boys and girls ages 9 –13 who are ready to build real job skills while finding and using their voice with confidence. Youth learn workplace‑ready communication skills such as listening, teamwork, giving and receiving feedback, and handling disagreement respectfully. Participants practice professional speaking by organizing their thoughts, telling their stories clearly, and presenting with confidence – just as they would in a class presentation, interview, or team meeting.
Sessions also introduce career skills including goal‑setting, responsibility, time management, and showing up with a positive attitude. Through hands‑on activities and creative projects, youth explore issues they care about, strengthen leadership, and learn how to advocate for themselves and others in positive, effective ways. By the end of the summer, each participant leaves with stronger communication habits, a clearer sense of their strengths, and the confidence to step into new roles.
Program Industry: Communications
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 8
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO)
The Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) Summer Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) is a dynamic six-week enrichment experience designed for youth ages 9 –13, combining Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Utilities and Construction education with hands-on, project-based exploration. Throughout the summer, students dive into exciting learning pathways – including bikes and technology, workforce readiness, utility and construction, social-emotional growth, financial literacy, renewable energy, and mindfulness – supported by expert partners and caring instructors. ETO CRESP also features engaging field trips that bring learning to life, allowing scholars to experience real-world career environments, technology centers, and cultural institutions. Students also participate in an inspiring speaker series, where industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders share their journeys and spark curiosity about future opportunities. Together, these experiences build confidence, expand awareness, and empower students in a safe, supportive, and motivating environment designed to open doors to endless possibilities.
Program Industry: STEM, Utility and Construction
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 7
Girls’ and Women’s Empowerment and Development (GWED),
In partnership with the DOES Office of Youth Programs, GWED offers a Healthcare-focused Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) summer opportunity for youth ages 9 – 13. Participants are introduced to healthcare and allied health careers through hands-on activities, interactive workshops, simulations, educational field trips, and age appropriate First Aid and CPR training that promotes safety awareness and emergency preparedness. The program emphasizes leadership, communication, problem-solving, safety, and self-care in a structured and supportive environment led by trained professionals and guest speakers. Weekly incentives encourage engagement and growth while preparing youth for long-term academic and career success.
Program Industry: Healthcare
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 4
The DC Launch Lab, offered by IBG Consulting Group, is an innovative summer program designed for youth ages 9–13. The DC Launch Lab empowers participants to become confident young entrepreneurs through hands-on product creation. Scholars launch real products online using platforms such as Etsy and Printify, gaining experience in product development, digital marketing, and financial management.
Through engaging workshops, participants develop essential career‑readiness skills, including communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem‑solving. Scholars also receive professional etiquette training and professional headshots to build confidence and support their career preparation.
The program features enriching field trips to the International Spy Museum, Sandy Springs Adventure Park, Planet Word Museum, and a movie day at Alamo Drafthouse. The summer concludes with a celebratory banquet honoring each scholar’s achievements and growth.
Program Industry: Business / Entrepreneurship
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 5
The College Gurl Foundation (CGF)
This summer, The College Gurl Foundation’s (CGF) Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) is the place to be for youth who are ready to have fun and level up. CRESP is an exciting summer experience where participants will build confidence, discover their gifts, and explore real career pathways in a way that feels engaging, creative, and empowering. This year’s program will spotlight technology and digital media, giving participants the chance to learn hands-on skills like content creation, media production, digital storytelling, and using tech tools to bring bold ideas to life. Along the way, participants will gain real professional development skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and learning how to present themselves like future scholars and young professionals. Every day will include interactive activities, exciting projects, mentorship, and opportunities for participants to shine.
The College Gurl Foundation's CRESP is more than a summer program...it’s where youth create memories, build lifelong friendships, and start preparing for a powerful future! If your child is ready for a summer full of purpose, fun, and growth, CGF's CRESP is the perfect fit.
Program Industry: STEM: Technology
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 1
National Center for Children and Families - NCCF
The National Center for Children and Families (NCCF), a nonprofit human services organization, is proud to deliver the CRESP Career Academy Program, a six-week summer experience designed to inspire and prepare scholars ages 9–13 for future success. This program introduces participants to the world of Business and Entrepreneurship through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Scholars will explore foundational workforce and life skills, including financial literacy, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership. Through an arts-integrated curriculum, students will develop creativity, self-confidence, resilience, and self-awareness while working collaboratively on real-world projects. Participants will create tangible deliverables such as business plans, budgets, pitches, and creative presentations, supported by mentors, local entrepreneurs, and community leaders. The program culminates in a Shark Tank–style showcase where scholars present their entrepreneurial ideas to local business leaders, celebrating growth, innovation, and future career possibilities.
Program Industry: Entrepreneurship
Email: [email protected]
Location: Ward 7