Successful careers for young people start with building relationships. In July, Destination DC colleagues Zoe Roberts and Cayla Lewis presented to city stakeholders about their experiences as Academy of Hospitality and Tourism alumnae who successfully turned their high school internships into careers.

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am for these full-circle moments. Advocating for young people like myself has been extremely rewarding.” - Cayla Lewis

Nine students from the Academies of Hospitality and Tourism at Ballou and Jackson-Reed High Schools and the Academy of Mass Media at Coolidge High School completed six weeks of Career Ready Internships. 

This year’s theme was sustainability. Interns discussed how our actions and industry can be more responsible in our communities and workplaces and gave weekly themed presentations to local industry leaders. Their creativity introduced experienced professionals to new presentation platforms and techniques.

Thank you to our partners this summer for sharing your time and expertise with our interns.

This summer, we welcomed back AEF alumna Tenielle Parker as the Partnerships and Alliances intern. Tenielle is currently a sophomore at North Carolina A&T University. She is an alumna of Columbia Heights Educational Campus Academy of Hospitality and Tourism ‘21 and was a past participant of the Career Bridge and Career Ready Internship programs. Learn more about Tenielle and her experience.

Backyard Bound and a new AEF Mentorship program are among inspiring student programs discussed at a recent team retreat attended by staff from seven Academies of Hospitality and Tourism and Culinary Arts.  

Thank you to Donohoe Hospitality Services, Cambria Hotel Washington DC Capitol Riverfront and Anacostia Riverkeepers for their support.

You can get involved. Support a field trip, host an intern or mentor a student by contacting Lisa Waldschmitt, Senior Foundation Manager.

The Student & Youth Travel Association and Your Big Year brought their Global Citizens Challenge to Washington, DC this summer. In partnership with AEF, student participants tackled global issues while experiencing the best of DC, including our partners Ben’s Chili Bowl, Hard Rock Café, Le Pain Quotidien, and the International Spy Museum. Briana Thomas, author and historian, took us on an incredible mural tour of U Street.

Thank you to student photographers from Coolidge High School’s Academy of Mass Media, Thomas Jones and Kiree James, for capturing the weekend of activities.

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