WILL youth had an amazing first half of the WILL year, filled with engaging, interactive learning experiences that build essential life skills and unleash the potential of the greatness in each of them.
We kicked off the WILL year in October with an incredible Ropes Course for the youth to get acquainted and to work on team building, decision-making, and communication skills. Youth learned that, if they are willing to stretch their comfort zones and “go there,” they can achieve anything. The WILL River Days on the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers focus on environmental literacy and biodiversity. Youth do water quality tests and other initiatives to check on the health of these vital arteries to the heart of the Mid-Atlantic – the Chesapeake Bay. At the December WILL Holiday Party, we emphasize the spirit of the holidays - of giving and being together; we share a delicious meal and discuss what WILL is and what WILL does - empower, educate, and inspire. We also celebrate our annual WILL Alumni Holiday Lunch, a cherished tradition that reunites graduates with their classmates and they meet and become friends with other members of the WILL family, and reminisce about their WILL experiences.
January through mid-April we are indoors focusing on WILL’s 2nd Pillar - Critical Life Skill Development. Starting in January, WiLL youth exam Financial Literacy - living with financial dignity, needs v. wants, budgeting, the credit score and dive into the SMART Goals framework. Youth delve into various aspects of Nutrition, including the 3 types of macronutrients (carbs, fats, and proteins), the information on food labels and the importance of reading the labels to make healthy nutrition choices for themselves. For Cultural Awareness, we explore Ukrainian culture and music and Americana. As part of a program day in February, in honor of Black History Month, WILL youth learn about the lives and achievements of five remarkable—but often lesser-known—Black American women: Claudette Colvin, Shirley Chisholm, Mae Jemison, Barbara Jordan, and Wilma Rudolph, along with DC’s own Duke Ellington.
Hands-on learning takes center stage in March, as WILL youth learn CPR and First Aid, equipping them with empowering life-saving skills. We wrapped up the first half of our year with a thought-provoking Biases, DEI, and Social Justice Day, where youth engaged in meaningful discussions on equity, inclusion, and the power of perspective, reinforcing the idea that while we may have differences, we are more alike than we are different.
I have grown in every way possible by being a part of WILL; I would do it again 1,000 times. Every WILL program I learned something new. I will never get a chance to do something like WILL again. I think that everyone should do the WILL Program.
Curtis
WILL Graduate
Through WILL I learned that there is greatness in me, that I have a bright future, and that I can do anything I choose to do by working hard to achieve it.
Keyri
WILL Graduate
WILL greatly increased my level of self-confidence. Steve says that we all have greatness in us and because of my WILL experience I believe him.
Clinard
WILL Graduate
WILL is a once in a lifetime experience and is a life changing experience that gives you more than you could ever imagine.
Karen
WILL Graduate
If I were you, I would join the WILL Program. It is really a great experience; you learn about yourself and get to do things you never thought you would or could do. WILL should be required for all high school students.
Royerick
WILL Graduate
My WILL experience was inspirational. I participated in life changing activities that I would not have experienced without being in WILL. I gained a new appreciation for nature and the importance of taking care of the environment, and I learned that I am a compassionate person and a good leader.
Ivania
WILL Graduate
WILL is the best program; it expanded who I am and made me a stronger person. Every WILL activity was my favorite because each one gave me knowledge.
Adam
WILL Graduate
Of the many things I learned in WILL, a few that standout are: I can do anything if I put the time and effort in it, how to make SMART goals and action plans to achieve my goals, to take care of the environment by not wasting food and conserving water, and the importance of money management and credit, how to implement a budget, and to live with financial dignity.
Tyreek
WILL Graduate
WILL teaches us SMART Goals so we know how to set clear goals and to use action plans to achieve our goals. This is inspirational to me because learning SMART Goals has me excited about what I can and will do in the future.
Daymon
WILL Graduate
