Action Items

• Get Involved: Register now to host a Career Ready Intern this summer. Interns work 25 hours a week for six weeks and are paid by the city, so there is no cost to you.
  
  
• Not able to host an intern? Consider volunteering March 11-12 for the DC Career and Technical Student Organization State Leadership Conference. You can support workshops, skill-based competitions and career exploration opportunities.
  
  
• Hit the court on Feb. 14 for the Destination DC (DDC) Member Volleyball Tournament. Sign up to play or cheer. Proceeds support internships, scholarships and work-based learning activities in 2025. 

Thank you to everyone who joined the DDC member holiday celebration at the Smithsonian National Zoo & Biological Institute. 

The annual event celebrates a successful year while providing work-based learning and professional networking opportunities for Academy students. More than 30 students helped AEF welcome guests, execute event logistics and emcee the program, including Haryiah Hunt, Senior at Ballou High School Academy of Culinary Arts, who had this to say: 

“I enjoyed the holiday celebration and the event’s format. I loved talking with guests and encouraging them to vote for my school's hot chocolate recipe, which won the overall contest. Participating in events like this sparks my interest in event planning.” 

Thank you to the Smithsonian National Zoo & Biological Institute, Encore, TeRiBelBlue Catering & Chip Dizard Studios for their partnership.  

Check out reviews from the Ballou Academy of Hospitality & Tourism and Roosevelt Academy of Culinary Arts. 

In November, 25 students from Columbia Heights Educational Campus toured the Cambria Hotel Washington, DC Navy Yard Riverfront.

Thanks to their wonderful team, led by Regional Director of Hotel Operations and AEF Board Member Elif Sen, the students engaged in behind-the-scenes tours of housekeeping, front desk, food and beverage, and administration.  

“Thank you, AEF, for including Team Cambria in such an impactful day. It was truly our pleasure to host the DC Academy scholars and share insights into the dynamic world of hospitality. Watching the students' enthusiasm and engagement was inspiring—it reaffirms the importance of nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.”  

- Elif Sen, Regional Director of Hotel Operations, Donohoe Hospitality 

DC Public School middle school students explored future high school opportunities during the annual Career and Technical Education Expo.

Students watched presentations from AEF interns Shamiyah McGee and Yovanna Ortiz-Cotto, and former AEF intern Mista Barnes, as they shared the types of work-based learning experiences and internships available in the Mass Media, Hospitality & Tourism and Culinary Arts academies.  

The annual DDC Member Volleyball Tournament returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Feb. 14.

Go head-to-head with teams representing hotels, restaurant groups and other industry colleagues as you compete in a tournament benefiting AEF. Buy a team package, sign up as an individual player or join as a spectator.  

This year, the tournament starts earlier so you don’t miss out on your Valentine’s Day plans. Through Jan. 17, spectator tickets are buy 1, get 1 free!  

Invest in a young person next summer. Register by Feb.14 to host a Career Ready Intern in 2025.

Interns work 25 hours a week for six weeks and are paid by the city, so there is no cost to you. 

The volunteer opportunities don't stop there!

Sign up today to be one of 150 volunteers for the DC Career and Technical Student Organization State Leadership Conference, March 11-12. Your industry knowledge will support workshops, skill-based competitions, and career exploration opportunities for high school students.

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