WILL youth had an incredible April, May, June, and July full of interactive learning experiences that grew their leadership, broadened their horizons, and strengthened their connection to the world around them.
April 5 was the third Financial Literacy and SMART Goals Day. In the morning, we focused on financial literacy, reviewing essential topics such as living with financial dignity, budgeting, and distinguishing necessary from discretionary spending. Youth explored different types of bank accounts, credit and credit scores and the factors that impact one’s credit score, loans and interest rates, investing, risk tolerance, and options like CDs, stocks, and bonds.
In the afternoon, we focused on SMART Goals with WILL youth teaching each other what they’d learned earlier in the year. Youth worked in breakout groups with each concentrating on one letter of the SMART Goals acronym and teaching important aspects of that letter to the larger group, reinforcing comprehension and public speaking skills.
April 15-17, youth participated in our annual Spring Break trip to the Chesapeake Bay. This unforgettable three-day adventure built on environmental education started in the fall. Youth learn about the Bay’s most pressing threats - sediment, nutrients, toxics, climate change, and erosion and the vital role marshes play in filtering water, providing habitat and food, and being a storm barrier. They set crab pots, hand tonged for oysters, visited Tangier Island, and experienced breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The trip emphasizes environmental stewardship, and WILL youth learn “Leave No Trace” ethics.
May 10 was the Expedition Orientation and Post High School Options/College Admissions Forum for youth and their families. We covered all things related to the 7-Day Expedition - gear, clothes, expectations, and preparation. Youth engaged in an inspiring session focused on life after high school, where they explored options such as college, vocational training, community college, work, the military, or taking a gap year. College admissions representatives from Penn State, Trinity Washington, UDC, UMBC, and Washington & Lee shared valuable insights about finding the right fit, financial aid (including DC TAG), and the importance of maximizing high school opportunities.
On May 24, WILL youth spent the day giving back to their community during our Environmental Service Learning Day with the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS). Youth cleaned up around the Anacostia River at Anacostia Park, removing 31 contractor bags of trash and 30 pounds of bulk trash, and clearing debris from the boat ramp at the Park.
June 7 was the WILL educational Scavenger Hunt on the National Mall. WILL youth had an incredible day exploring our Nation’s history in memorials and monuments, and more than half of the questions are in the National Gallery of Art - viewing the art is a powerful first-time experience for many. The day was steeped in leadership, teamwork, exploration, fun, and learning.
On June 28, the youth had an engaging day focused on Resume Writing and Interview Skills, an important step in preparing for future opportunities. Through hands-on coaching, youth learned how to craft resumes that reflect their strengths and tell their stories with clarity and confidence. They also practiced interviewing, learning how to make meaningful connections, present themselves authentically, and leave a lasting impression.
July 19, WILL youth spent the day with the AWS, diving deeper into environmental science. They explored how land use impacts river health by simulating runoff and pollution using permeable and impermeable surfaces. They cruised the Anacostia River playing wildlife bingo and observing bald eagles, ospreys, turtles, and more. Youth also conducted water quality testing and tagged freshwater mussels, learning how these tiny organisms play a powerful role in cleaning the River.
On July 26, WILL youth got their hands dirty for a good cause. They spent a rewarding day at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Clagett Farm, harvesting 2,141 pounds of yellow onions. Approximately 35% of the produce grown at the Farm is provided to the area food distribution centers. It was a powerful lesson in service, sustainability, and community impact - all core to WILL.
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