Summer 2009 Program

The Youth Peace Makers 2009 summer program brought together a diverse group of 30 youth who challenged themselves and each other to learn new skills and build a diverse team. These extraordinary 14-21 year ols took advantage of Mayor Fenty's Youth Summer Employment Program, which paid them a minimum wage to participate.  Among their accomplishments were:

A summer focus on "going green".  The participating youth learned from community experts the importance of water and energy conservation, recycling, and respecting the environment by keeping it clean.  Capitol Letters, Inc. worked with the Peace Makers to create marketing adds, envision "environmental" super heroes, design and illustrate the ideal "green" home, school, and community.  The youth also potted plants which they took home to better oxygenate their homes.

Daily journaling, lively discussions of local, national, and international news, select movies allowed youth to explore the power of words, creative expression, meaning and symbols, the formation of racial identities, group exclusivity and community giving.

Focus on job readiness activities that included preparation of their resumes and simulated job interviews.  Year Up conducted a series of job readiness activities to help the youth identify special talents, career goals and paths.  The youth further explored their career goals by attending the summer College Fair held by the Latin American Youth Center.  Follow-up visits were made to Howard University and Catholic University.  These goals were further explored through the creation of dream boxes and career collages.

Genesis Life Coaching Institute conducted a one-day seminar with the youth focused on exploring one's strengths and potential and identifying common obstacles.  Experts in the area of mental health addressed the loss of family and friends and discussed coping techniques.  These techniques were explored through art activities - photography, pottery, drawing, mural design and painting - hosted by the Patricia M. Sitar Arts Center. 

Research on the structure of the US government and DC local government.  The youth met Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, visited the Capitol, toured the White House, and witnessed a congressional session.  The youth researched DC's local wards, identified council members, and sat in on a hearing of the Youth Forum sponsored by Chairman Vincent Gray on teen pregnancy. 

Fieldtrips to local museums and historical sights in the city supported their academic learning and community engagement.  While the youth initially resisted the ice breakers used to begin every day activities, by the end of the summer, they were designing their own ice breakers and exercising team building values.  The youth bonded, learned together, and welcomed daily adventure.  The summer program was ended with a trip to the Cameron Run Regional Water Park!