WHAT'S NEXT

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  • Congratulations to the 2026 NEXTDC Scholarship and Honorarium recipients.  
  • Register today for the Building Futures: Celebration of DC Hospitality Scholars on May 21, 5-7 p.m. 
  • Get involved this summer. Sign up as a hospitality industry judge to support NEXTDC Career Ready Interns’ professional development.
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Meet the 2026 NEXTDC Scholarship Winners

NEXTDC has officially awarded over $250,000 in scholarships to students and alumni of the DC Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts, Mass Media and Sports Marketing since 2015.  

Join us in congratulating this year’s 11 scholarship winners and 10 honorarium recipients for their outstanding commitment to community service, entrepreneurship and academic excellence.  

Their hard work and potential inspire us and we can’t wait to see what’s NEXT.

"NEXTDC is more than just a scholarship; it's a community and a family and I am truly grateful to be part of it."

- Arrington Ward Jr, Jackson-Reed High School (Hospitality & Tourism, 2025)

SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS

You can still invest in students this season. Celebrate DC250 and this $250,000 milestone with NEXTDC.

Donate to the scholarship fund to support DC’s next generation of leaders. 

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Celebrating DC’s Rising Stars

NEXTDC is proud to partner with Educated Eats and the Washington Area Concierge Association, for the third annual Building Futures: Celebration of DC Hospitality Scholars awards presentation. Join us on May 21, 5-7 p.m. at the Hilton Washington, DC Capitol Hill for this momentous occasion as all organizations award scholarships to DC Academy students.  

REGISTER NOW
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Speed Networking 101

NEXTDC’s five Advanced Interns connected with over 250 industry professionals at Destination DC’s Speed Networking.

SEE MORE

Get Involved

Volunteer as an industry presentation judge for Career Ready Internships starting
June 22. 

LEARN MORE
Students are presenting in front of a large crowd
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July 4th VIP Celebration

The July 4th Celebration is sold out! Limited sponsorships are still available to showcase your company’s support and give back to DC high school students’ college and career journey.   

Join us at the American Pharmacists Association Potomac View Terrace for a one-of-a kind view of the iconic fireworks for America’s 250th birthday. Enjoy elevated bites, signature cocktails and festive music from 7-10 p.m.  

Thank you to our sponsors: 

  • American Pharmacists Association
  • Destination DC
  • United Airlines
  • Hargrove from Encore
  • Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association
  • Ridgewells Catering
  • American Society of Association Executives
  • NFP
  • Uncorked DC
  • District Winery
  • Bialek's Music 
  • Headliner Entertainment 
  • Here's the Scoop
  • Smiley Jump
  • PMI Parking
  • Kris and James Brendel
BECOME A SPONSOR

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