Programs
One mission. Multiple pathways. Six programs.
Each program has a defined target population, learning focus, and credential pathway. Programs are complementary, creating connected education-to-career pathways for youth and adults.
| Program | Ages | Program | Focus | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program 1 | 9–17 | DC Launch Lab | Youth Entrepreneurship & Digital Literacy | 6–8 weeks · Hybrid |
| Program 2 | 14–21 | WorkSmart Youth AI Lab | Technology Skills & AI Credentials | 6–8 weeks · Hybrid |
| Program 3 | 16–24 | Financial Foundations | Financial Capability & Career Readiness | 6–8 weeks · Hybrid |
| Program 4 | 16–24+ (Pre-App) · 18+ (RA) | Opportunity Apprenticeship | CompTIA Pre-Apprenticeship & Registered Apprenticeship | 12–16 weeks Pre-App · 12–24 months RA |
| Program 5 | 25+ | Adult Career & Skills Training | Skills, Credentials & Career Advancement for Adults | TBD · Hybrid |
| Program 6 | 50+ | NextStep Customer Care | Digital Literacy & Customer Service Career Readiness | To be announced |
DC Launch Lab
Youth Entrepreneurship & Digital Literacy
An experiential entrepreneurship program delivered through three age-based tracks for youth ages 9–13, 14–15, and 16–17. Participants gain the knowledge and tools to create, market, and manage real online businesses through structured instruction, hands-on product development using Printify and Etsy, digital marketing via TikTok and Instagram, and foundational financial literacy — culminating in a public-facing pitch to stakeholders.
WorkSmart Youth AI Lab
Technology Skills & AI Credentials
An accelerated, career-connected technology program delivering three stackable, industry-recognized credentials while building hands-on AI fluency. The program develops both technical proficiency and the ethical frameworks needed to thrive in AI-augmented workplaces.
Financial Foundations
Financial Capability & Career Readiness
A structured financial capability and career readiness program that documents 54%→85% knowledge gains. Participants build the money management, career planning, and entrepreneurial fundamentals needed for long-term economic self-sufficiency and mobility.
Opportunity Apprenticeship
CompTIA Pre-Apprenticeship & Registered Apprenticeship
A two-phase earn-and-learn pathway from pre-apprenticeship into a DOL Registered Apprenticeship across five technology occupations, delivered in partnership with the AIR Apprenticeships for Tech network and aligned to CompTIA National Guideline Standards.
Adult Career & Skills Training
Skills, Credentials & Career Advancement for Adults
A new program in development for adults ready to upskill, reskill, earn industry-recognized credentials, or transition into high-demand career pathways. Curriculum, credentials, and partner employers are being finalized. Details coming soon.
NextStep Customer Care
Digital Literacy & Customer Service Career Readiness
A career readiness training program for adults ages 50 and older, focused on building digital literacy skills through the Northstar curriculum and preparing participants to earn a national credential from the National Customer Service Association.