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Marking a milestone in Marion Barry’s legacy

Summer Youth Program celebrates 40 years

WASHINGTON — LaTrice Clayburn is walking in Marion Barry's legacy and into the open door of her future.

The 25-year-old is now working as a marketing assistant at
ICMA-RC financial services which handles D.C. Government retirement accounts.  Her parents were still kids when the late Marion Barry, in his first term as D.C.'s Mayor, created the summer jobs program in 1979; but 40 years later, his vision of investing in the city's young people is still relevant.  LaTrice is grateful.  

“It wasn't just working, it was like ‘we're going to build you, we're going to make sure when you leave here you're capable to go out into the world,” said Clayburn. 

That summer job was during her senior year of high school, but long after the paychecks cleared, LaTrice continued to cash in on the real value of the program: mentors and a network of adults rooting for you. In fact, that's how she landed her current position. 

“I still have former supervisors when I was in summer jobs that I use now for references,” she explained, “you just keep that connection.   

Now, Latrice is beginning to forge her own career path with appreciation for the groundwork paved by Marion Barry.

“He definitely didn't want people to feel boxed in,” she said, “D.C. is so small and there's a whole world outside of our city; but he wanted to make sure we're great here so when you're able to go forth you can be even better.  We are all part of his legacy.”

The 6-week Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program is open to D.C. residents between the ages of 14-24 years old.  The deadline to apply is Saturday, February 16, 2019.  The Department of Employment Services will also host a certification event Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Applicants can bring in eligibility documents to DOES at 4058 Minnesota Avenue, NE.  The certificate deadline is Saturday, March 9.   

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