December 2020 Partner Highlights

Learn about how Iisis, a City Kids Alum, is making the most of 2020 with the skills she gained at City Kids Wilderness Project. City Kids was founded on the belief that providing enriching outdoor experiences for DC youth can enhance their lives, the lives of their families, and the greater community.

Community Youth Advance celebrated their 15th Anniversary with a virtual award show featuring performances from Kelvin Dukes and violinist Chelsey Green. If you missed the live stream, you can view it on their YouTube Channel.

During the month of November, First Generation College Bound (FGCB) hosted its first virtual FAFSA/MSFAA help sessions for seniors at seven high schools across Prince George’s County. These sessions promoted a better understanding of the application and the importance of the MSFAA and FAFSA deadline each year.

Generation Hope Founder & CEO Nicole Lynn Lewis was featured in the second episode of Arabella Advisors’ From Idea to Impact Podcast. Listen as she discusses her forthcoming book “Pregnant Girl,” her journey from earning her college degree as a teen mom to founding Generation Hope, working to transform higher education to advance racial justice and support parenting students and their families. She also discusses her recent recognition as one of 31 inaugural awardees of the Black Voices for Black Justice Fund.

Looks and Books is currently seeking book donations.  This organization is committed to improving the lives of at-risk children and families by helping them develop and sustain literacy-rich environments and motivation for reading.  Looks and Books seeks books that celebrate diversity and feature brown characters of all shades so that young readers can see themselves in the books they consume. To learn more and donate, please visit their website.

During the hardest summer of our lives, 13 DC teens came together (virtually!) to write four powerful children’s books addressing this historic moment. Illustrated books are ideal for ages 5-8 in talking about Black Lives Matter, youth activism, finding joy during the shutdown, and welcoming new immigrants. Learn more here.

Although WILL cannot provide programming in person, the organization has pivoted to virtual learning and continues to engage WILL Youth. Every two to three weeks, WILL hosts Zoom meetings that align with WILL’s pillars on topics such as: Systemic Racism, Equity v. Equality, WILL’s Standing Together Statement, Financial Literacy, SMART Goals, Resume Writing, Interview Skills, First Aid, Biases, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice, Nutrition, and a College Admissions Forum.