Washington, D.C., Partners With HBCUs for Public Service Program

• Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a new program partnering with HBCUs in the district.
• Students from Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia will be hired as full-time employees through a one-year apprenticeship.
• The program will be open for one year to graduating seniors earning bachelor's degrees.

Washington, D.C., college students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will soon have a new program to help them enter careers in public service.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced last week that the HBCU Public Service Program will be open to graduating seniors from two district-based HBCUs: Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia. Twenty-five students will be offered a one-year, full-time apprenticeship at participating district government agencies beginning in June.

Participants will also gain access to a professional development course at their university offered by the District Department of Employment Services.

"We want the best and the brightest, the people who are passionate about our community, to work at DC Government. The HBCU Public Service Program will keep talent in DC and bring young leaders into DC Government," Bowser said in a press release.

"We know that people, including many of our university students, come to DC and stay in DC because they want to change the world. We want people to know that they can change the world, one person, one program, and one community at a time, in DC Government."

Participants must live in Washington while completing the program and will be eligible for promotion upon completion if they continue to maintain district residency.