This past year, the American Experience Foundation worked with students, educators, partners and stakeholders to examine our name and come up with a new identity that better reflects our city and the people who make AEF's programs unique.

At Destination DC’s Marketing Outlook Meeting, we shared a sneak peek of our new name:

NEXTDC: Network, Educate, Experience and Travel. 

Thanks to Destination DC’s in-house creative team for leading us through this journey, our board of directors, the major support of LINK Strategic Partners and MMGY for a new website launching soon. 

Our mission remains the same: to inspire, train and prepare the next generation of hospitality industry professionals. With your help, we'll continue to provide meaningful networking opportunities, scholarships, internships and immersive multi-day excursions.  

This fall, you'll notice our branding transition. You're invited to our big NEXTDC reveal on Dec. 17 at the Square during the Member Holiday Celebration.

AEF supported the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education Career and Technical Education (CTE) Professional Development Conference. The program at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, Aug. 5-6, featured presentations from educators, CTE experts and instructional leaders.  

The AEF team was proud to lead two sessions:

• Executive Director Claire Carlin and intern Ty Monroe highlighted how educators can leverage DC250 to strengthen work-based learning, preparation, school leadership and partnerships.  
• Associate Director Lisa Waldschmitt and Director of Career Academies Dr. Calvin Ruffin shared strategies for engaging community partners by planning and aligning programs.  

Ty Monroe is a rising sophomore at Wake Forest University, majoring in communications. He’s a graduate of the Coolidge Media Academy ‘24, a previous scholarship recipient and a AEF summer intern.  

This summer, Ty supported AEF’s 15 Career Ready Interns, led website content development and helped redevelop the alumni program for the AEF Network. He also gained valuable professional experience by speaking at events, shadowing marketing professionals and building new skills. 

Here’s how Ty described his journey in a speech he delivered to CTE educators: 

“I discovered this internship through my Academy—proof that the connections we make in high school can truly shape our future. Career and technical education, strong educators and industry partnerships have helped me get to where I am today. CTE is a launchpad for college. 

When I first stepped into the Coolidge Media Academy, I didn’t fully grasp how much it would prepare me—not just for college, but for life. The Academy gave me hands-on experience, real-world projects and a sense of professionalism that made my transition to college smooth. One takeaway I’d like to leave you with is this: you are not just teaching content—you are shaping futures. 

Because Dr. Zakiya Edens and the Coolidge Media Academy built strong industry partnerships, I worked on real campaigns, met professionals in the field and presented my work to audiences beyond the classroom. Those experiences gave me confidence and clarity about my future. Now, as an intern with AEF, I’m applying those skills—crafting messages, engaging with audiences and contributing to meaningful projects. It all started with the opportunities I had in high school.”  

Save the Date for the Member Holiday Celebration on Dec. 17 at The Square to benefit AEF. Bring your holiday spirit for an unforgettable celebration in support of our scholars and see the Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts and Mass Media students in action as they support hosting the event. 

This holiday season, the raffle and silent auction returns and you can give back by providing a prize. Your tax-deductible donation will help fund work-based learning programs for students.  

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