Content categorized as Youth

Teens Give Back on MLK Weekend

During Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, teens from Southeast D.C. participated in service projects to honor MLK and celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Our Lives Matter campaign, which empowers Black youth in D.C.

Filmmaker Seeks New Approach to End Youth Homelessness

A documentary by filmmaker Michael Leoni portrays the challenges facing homeless youth in Los Angeles.

D.C. Homelessness on the Rise, According to HUD Report

In a new HUD report, D.C. tied with Idaho for the highest percentage increase in homelessness.

Strict Dress Codes Create Educational Barriers for Homeless Kids

Three quarters of public and charter schools in the District now require uniforms, and according to a Street Sense analysis, some uniforms cost as much as $60 dollars each. The average D.C. public school uniform costs $28 for boys and $32 for girls.

Former Park Resident Spreads Humility and Love

Don Gardner, a nonprofit founder and former Street Sense vendor, organized a six-hour gathering in Franklin Square Park that included music, prayer, children’s entertainment and food and clothing donations.

D.C. Council Considers Foster Care Bill of Rights

D.C. councilmembers will soon consider legislation requiring clear and consistent information for foster parents.

The Message

Vendor artist writes to youth, asking them to make positive decisions.

Youth-Run Bike Shop Teaches Job Skills in Northeast

Gearin’ Up is a bike shop in Northeast that teaches the youth volunteers skills to help them join the workforce.

Fill a Backpack Accepting Donations

Fill a Backpack, Fuel a Dream is accepting donations for the upcoming school year until August 17.

Youth Lead Ivy City Civic Engagement, Call for Crummell Rec Center

Community members in Ivy City get involved with proposals about what to do with specific neighborhood spaces like Crummell School.

Lighting the Way to College for Homeless Youth

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education and BB&T Bank provided funding to send 15 homeless D.C. students to summer “bridge” programs at local universities, where they take college courses and stay in dorms.

D.C. Education Act First of Its Kind in U.S., Increases Focus on Suicide Prevention

The Youth Suicide Prevention and School Climate Survey Act of 2016 draws teacher focus to vulnerable student populations via new training programs that will begin October 2016.

Author Reveals Corrupt “Poverty Industry” at Busboys & Poets Event

Daniel Hatcher’s book uncovers how governments profit off denying resources to disadvantaged people

Local Professionals Talk Job Skills With Sasha Bruce Youth

More than 40 Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) staff and youth, many of whom have or are currently experiencing homelessness, had the opportunity to discuss job… Read more »

Children of D.C. General Given Options for Education

When D.C. General’s Closure causes families to relocate, students will be able to remain at their original public school

Panel Calls for Action on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in D.C.

The “Out of the Closet, Out of a Home” forum focused on youth homelessness, as 50% of homeless youth in DC identify as LGBTQ.

Protect and Preserve the Rights of D.C.’s Homeless

“It is my hope that Mayor Bowser embraces the council’s changes and works with us and the community to close D.C. General as quickly as possible,” wrote DC council member David Grosso.

Moving Up: Education Options to get you ahead

“Paying for college can seem daunting, but fortunately there are many options available to help you cover the cost of higher education,” said Arthur Johnson.

Little Things

My childhood was good and I remember playing with my classmates. I remember school and I remember playing in the snow. These are just little… Read more »

If You See Something, Say Something:
Apparent truancy

On April 5, I met one of my customers for lunch at Gallery Place, Chinatown. What I saw was unbelievable. There were 20 – 25…