Imagine you’re 14 again—curious, hopeful, and filled with dreams about your future, yet uncertain how to achieve them. Imagine someone guiding you, showing you firsthand what’s possible, confirming your ideal career path, or opening doors to opportunities you’ve never considered. This vision inspired the launch of the Co-op’s DC3C WorkReady Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) pilot program in 2023, specifically serving District of Columbia youth with disabilities.
According to the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition, WBLEs provide students with disabilities opportunities to gain practical experience and essential workplace skills. Activities such as our DC3C WorkReady WBLE workplace tours, college visits, job shadowing, and summer employment program help students directly connect today’s school experiences to tomorrow’s career opportunities.
Since launching in 2023, we’ve facilitated over 250 student engagements through more than 20 DC3C WorkReady WBLE tours and events. Feedback from our community partners has been overwhelmingly positive—100% reported positive experiences hosting our students and have invited DC3C back repeatedly over the past two years. 98% of participating students reported feeling better prepared for careers and post-secondary education after attending a DC3C WBLE event.
Our students have explored careers ranging from cybersecurity specialists and automotive technicians to professional athletes, cosmetologists, culinary artists, firefighters, plumbers, and even aspiring YouTube influencers. They’ve visited exciting workplaces such as the Amazon AWS Skills Center, DC Central Kitchen, Washington Commanders, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), D.C. Fire and EMS Department (DCFD), National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and Dudley Beauty College. Our amazing students have also visited several college campuses, including Lincoln University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), and Morgan State University—often marking students’ first-ever college campus visits. These experiences help students connect today’s learning to tomorrow’s opportunities.
Our student surveys show diverse interests, and our goal is to provide exposure aligned with these passions while also introducing careers they hadn’t considered before. One memorable student was reluctant during his job-shadowing experience at DC Central Kitchen, believing cooking was “something he had zero interest in.” However, after their hands-on experience at a recent DC3C WorkReady WBLE event, this very same student discovered an unexpected passion for culinary arts and now plans to enroll in DC Central Kitchen’s Culinary Training Program upon graduation.
Feedback from our community partners has been overwhelmingly positive—100% reported positive experiences hosting our students and have invited DC3C back repeatedly over the past two years. 98% of participating students reported feeling better prepared for careers and post-secondary education after attending a DC3C WBLE event.
Why Employment Matters
Employment is not just about a paycheck—it’s about dignity, independence, confidence, and hope. Yet nationally, only 22.7% of people with disabilities are employed, compared to 65.5% of those without disabilities. This disparity is even more pronounced among Black Americans with disabilities, who face an unemployment rate of 10.7%, higher than the 6.9% rate for their white counterparts. At DC3C, we believe every young person deserves meaningful opportunities and fulfilling careers.
A Call to Our Beloved Community
In a world filled with uncertainty, we’re grateful to know we can rely on our community partners. But we can’t do this alone—we need your help. Your involvement makes a direct and lasting impact. By opening your doors for workplace tours, job shadowing, mentorship, or internships, you empower our students. You help build their confidence. And most importantly, you shape the bright futures they need—and truly deserve.
To learn more or become a partner, please contact David Fridie, Community Engagement Coordinator, or visit our website.
Together, let’s ensure every DC youth’s dreams have a chance to flourish.