The 2025 Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) Application Opens Monday, January 27, 2025 at noon!
Eligibility:
District scholars must be between 9- 13 years old. Youth can be 8 years old to enter the program however you must be 9 years old by September 30, 2025.
Program Dates and Times:
Spring Cohort Session: Monday, April 14, 2025, to Friday, April 18, 2025
Summer Cohort Session: Monday, June 23, 2025 – Friday, August 1, 2025
All programs operate from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Important Documents:
2025 CRESP Youth and Parent Handbook
2025 Eligibility Checklist Document
2025 CRESP Parent Consent Form
Current Program Vendors
Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP)
The Capital Youth Empowerment CRESP Program is a transformative initiative designed to empower youth aged 9-13 through comprehensive career exploration. The program offers an engaging curriculum that includes topics such as healthy relationships, emotional regulation, conflict management, life skills, academic achievement and economic mobility.
CRESP emphasizes career exploration, particularly in Washington, DC, by connecting participants with professionals from organizations like the Micron, AWS Skill Center, and NASA. There is a focus on high demand industries including STEM and Technology. This program will inspire curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities (including coding and a capstone project) and exposure to STEM careers. These experiences are designed to broaden horizons and demonstrate pathways to economic mobility, helping local youth envision and prepare for future opportunities. By teaching life skills such as budgeting, making healthy food choices, and preparing nutritious snacks, the program equips participants with the tools to make informed decisions and set a foundation for success. Through this combination of practical knowledge, career exposure, and skill-building, the program empowers youth to thrive and seize opportunities as they grow.
Program Industry: IT/STEM
Email: [email protected]
Location : Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys
Ward 8
The Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) is a transformative initiative by the DC Department of Employment Services and Captivate Perspectives. This program is designed to introduce young scholars, ages 9-13, to the world of healthcare and inspire future careers in the field. Through hands-on activities, engaging workshops, and mentorship opportunities, Captivate Perspectives provides scholars with foundational knowledge of healthcare professions, emphasizing a basic understanding of the biological sciences and chemistry, prevention and treatment of illnesses, nutrition and wellness, the importance of public health, medical innovation, and community care. This program not only fosters curiosity about medical sciences but also cultivates essential skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and empathy. By nurturing an early interest in healthcare, Captivate Perspectives and CRESP are aimed at building a pipeline of passionate scholars interested in addressing future prospects and challenges in this vital industry.
Program Industry: Healthcare
Email : [email protected]
Location : University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
Ward 3
Carolina Canyon Corporation (CCC)
In partnership with DOES Office of Youth Programs (OYP), Carolina Canyon Corporation is thrilled to present CRESP 2025 — an exciting and enriching six-week summer program designed to inspire and empower scholars ages 9-13. Get ready for nonstop fun, discovery, and growth! Scholars will dive into STEM-focused activities, including coding, robotics, and AI. The program includes inspiring field trips that connect scholars with their local community and culture. They'll have the chance to explore technology hubs, innovative organizations, and landmarks that expand their worldview and ignite their curiosity. From coding and robotics to leadership, sports, and dance, every activity is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and empower young minds. Join us at Trinity Washington University for a summer of excitement, learning, and a bright step toward the future!
Program Industry: AI/ Robotics
Email : [email protected];
Location: Trinity Washington University
Ward 5
The College Gurl Foundation (CGF)
CGF, in partnership with DOES Office of Youth Programs (OYP), is thrilled to launch an innovative life-changing summer program for DC scholars ages 9-13 that will empower them to dream bigger than their zip code to become the next future leaders of tomorrow. The CGF program will provide valuable information, activities, cultural experiences, resources, and mentorship that will help scholars excel academically, socially, and personally. From navigating the seas of student success, unlocking participants’ talents, and fostering mental well-being, CGF is the trusted friend every participant needs as we empower and inspire participants which will make Summer of 2025 an unforgettable experience!
Program Industry: Entrepreneurship
Email: [email protected]
Location : Howard University
Ward 1
The Chart Academy in partnership with DOES Office of Youth Programs (OYP), offers an immersive 6-week IT career exploration program for scholars ages 9-13. Scholars will explore core IT concepts, including computer hardware, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and problem-solving. They'll develop practical skills in troubleshooting, critical thinking, and digital security, while earning the IC3 Master of Digital Literacy credential. This program includes interactive activities, guest speakers, and field trips, all designed to inspire curiosity and introduce students to IT careers. Additionally, scholars will build essential teamwork, communication, and socio-emotional skills through collaborative exercises. Spark your child’s interest in technology and help them gain valuable skills and credentials for the future!
Program Industry: IT/ Cybersecurity
Email: [email protected]
Location : Gallaudet University
Ward 5
The DC Independent Film Forum (DCIFF)
DCIFF Is pleased to launch an innovative, engaging and rewarding program for young creatives and budding entrepreneurs. To succeed in the creative industries of film, social media, TV, news and entertainment you must understand production management, finance and business as well as having a/v skills and creativity. Scholars will learn finance and entrepreneurship by creating a new production company, running a creative project and marketing for success. Scholars will make a short film and market the film to an audience. The program ends with a celebration and presentation of completed projects. DCIFF has been running youth programs in filmmaking, animation and video journalism since 2020 and works with many production companies in the DMV to craft successful real-life programs. All equipment and materials are provided. Meals and snacks are healthy and sustaining.
Program Industry: Business/ Entrepreneurship in Film. Music and Entertainment
Email : [email protected]
Location: DC International School – *Subject to Change
Ward 4
The DSI program offers scholars ages 9-13 a creative approach to career exploration in Public Safety and Law Enforcement through the Arts. Scholars will engage with guest speakers, attend field trips, and take part in drama, arts, and dance classes, all while developing social and emotional skills. This innovative model ensures that scholars are exposed to essential career competencies, artistic expression, and emotional growth. By blending these elements, the program helps build confidence and sets young people on a path to explore careers in Public Safety and Law Enforcement, while also recognizing and nurturing their creative strengths.
Program Industry: Public Safety
Email: [email protected]
Location : Hart Middle School
Ward 8
IBG Consulting Group (IBG)
In partnership with the Office of Youth Programs (OYP), IBG offers a DC Cyber Defenders Summer Program, where scholars can dive into the exciting world of cybersecurity! Designed just for scholars ages 9-13, this hands-on program teaches you how to spot and stop online threats, keep your info safe, and understand how to outsmart cyber “bad guys.” Through fun and enriching games, interactive projects, and real-life challenges, scholars will learn to be a true digital defender—ready to take on the tech world with confidence and skill. We’ll also take exciting field trips to the Spy Museum, Maryland Science Center and FBI Headquarters. Grab your spot for summer 2025 to start your journey as a DC Cyber Defender!
Program Industry: IT/ Cybersecurity
Email : [email protected]
Location : Capital Village Public Charter School
Ward 5
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO)
Excellence Through Opportunity in partnership with the DC Department of Employment Services provides academically sound and project-based enrichment programs for DC students in grades 4-8. The program engages students in science-based career fields such as biking and technology, green space technology, blockchain infrastructure, STEM, utility, and construction. CRESP also incorporates entrepreneurship training and builds upon students' social-emotional growth and financial literacy to ensure their success in and out of the workplace. The program is designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in the workplace and in life. In addition to providing students with opportunities to explore different career paths, ETO CRESP also helps students develop important life skills, such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and social-emotional development. These skills are essential for success in today's world.
ETO and our partners are committed to ensuring our youth participants have access to quality summer programming that gives them a viable chance at a secure future and economic opportunities.
Program Industry: STEM/ Utility and Construction
Email : [email protected]
Location: Cesar Chavez Public Charter School
Ward 7
Girls’ and Women’s Empowerment and Development (GWED),
In partnership with the DOES Office of Youth Programs (OYP), proudly presents the Healthcare-Focused Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP). This six-week summer program, tailored for scholars aged 9 to 13 combines leadership development, career exploration, safety training and healthcare industry insights. Scholars will engage in hands-on activities, interactive workshops, immersive healthcare simulations, and inspiring field trips to healthcare institutions, building critical skills like communication, problem-solving, and self-care—all while earning weekly incentives. With professional guest speakers and a structured, engaging environment, CRESP is more than a program; it’s a gateway to success and a brighter future. Spaces are limited—don’t miss out!
Program Industry: Healthcare
Email: [email protected]
Location : Catholic University
Ward 5
The Horton’s Kids Summer Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) introduces scholars ages 9-13 to the exciting world of healthcare. Through hands-on activities, engaging workshops, and project-based learning, participants explore healthcare careers while building skills like teamwork and critical thinking. This program inspires curiosity and equips scholars with a foundation to pursue future opportunities in healthcare and community well-being.
Program Industry: Healthcare
Email: [email protected]
Location : KIPP DC Douglass Campus
Ward 8