WHAT'S NEXT

An African American woman speaking into a microphone onstage
  • Get involved: Sign up to volunteer this summer as an industry presentation judge or experiential host site for 12 NEXTDC Career Ready Interns.    
  • Meet Malijah and Shamiyah, two NEXTDC alumnae who are returning as college interns this summer. 
  • See how NEXTDC celebrated America’s 250th birthday and raised over $75,000 for student programs. 
  • Celebrate NEXTDC being named as one of Spur Local’s trusted local non-profits in the Class of 2026. 
Fireworks exploding above the Lincoln Memorial

This July 4th, NEXTDC celebrated more than just America’s 250th birthday. Through our generous sponsors, partners and guests, the annual event raised over $75,000 for NEXTDC’s internship, scholarship and work-based learning programs.

Thank you to everyone who made the event possible, especially our long-time hosts American Pharmacists Association and partners at Destination DC.

Special thank you to our event partners: 

  • United Airlines
  • Hargrove from Encore
  • Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association  
  • Ridgewells Catering
  • Revolution Events
  • American Society of Association Executives
  • NFP
  • Uncorked DC
  • District Winery
  • Bialek's Music
  • DJ Sway from The Headliner Group
  • Smiley Jump
  • PMI Parking Parking
  • Here's The Scoop
  • Kris and James Brendel Brendel
  • AlphaGraphics
  • Elegant Event Sitters, Inc.
  • Uncharted Media
High school interns and teachers pose and smile in front of Carmine's restaurant

Welcome to Our Career Ready Interns

This summer, NEXTDC is hosting 12 high school interns through the Career Ready Internship Program. Talented students from Washington, DC's Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts and Mass Media are having hands-on experiences, building professional skills and exploring careers in hospitality, tourism, events and media. 

The learning doesn't stop at the office. Interns have explored the DC Public Library, Morrow Washington DC, Planet Word, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and the National Cherry Blossom Festival with so much more to come! Make sure you’re connected with us on Instagram to follow all the excitement this summer. 

A white man speaking to an African American student

Looking for a meaningful way to support Washington, DC scholars this summer? We're seeking industry professionals to volunteer as presentation judges and provide valuable feedback during our weekly Career Ready Intern presentations. By sharing your expertise and perspective, you'll help students strengthen their communication skills and build confidence as they prepare for their future careers. 

Volunteer opportunities are available on Thursdays through July 30. Your feedback can make a lasting impact. 

Headshots of two African American women

Please join us in welcoming college interns Malijah Jackson and Shamiyah McGee, both alumni of NEXTDC's Advanced Internship Program. This summer, they are returning to support the Career Ready Internship Program and help guide the next generation of student leaders. 

Malijah Jackson is a rising sophomore at Jackson State University, where she is studying biology with aspirations to become a nurse. She is excited to continue developing leadership skills, expanding her professional network and gaining hands-on experience. 

Shamiyah McGee is a rising sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in marketing. She is looking forward to building new professional connections, developing industry experience and sharing knowledge and insights with this year's high school interns. 

We are proud to see former program participants return as mentors and leaders! 

Logo for Spur Local

NEXTDC was named a trusted and critical small nonprofit in the Greater Washington region.

Ticket sales from Destination DC’s annual Marketing Outlook Meeting benefit NEXTDC. Learn about the strategies to grow visitation in 2027.

Students and educators smiling onstage at Destination DC's Marketing Outlook Meeting

LET'S CONNECT

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