News

DCAYA Testifies on Early Warning and Intervention System and College Preparation Plan Act of 2012

DCAYA Policy Analyst Anne Abbott and several DCAYA member organizations delivered testimony on February 16, 2012 to the Council's Committee of the Whole on new education legislation inlcuding the Early Warning and Intervention System Act of 2012 and the College Preparation Plan Act of 2012. Copies of their testimonies are available below:

DCAYA Staff and Member Organizations Testify at CFSA Hearing

On February 10, 2012 DCAYA staff and member organizations the Young Women's Project, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, the Latin American Youth Center and the National Center for Children and Families delivered testimony to Council Member Jim Graham, Chairman of the Committee for Human Services on the FY'12 performance of the Child and Family Services Agency.

Education is Key to Public Safety

According to a study released today by JPI, policymakers in D.C. need to look beyond policing and incarceration when it comes to the city's public safety strategy. Instead, they should adopt a holistic approach that prevents justice system involvement in the first place. In particular, education has been shown to reduce contact with the justice system both for youth and adults. The District has a troubling history of lagging behind the rest of the nation in ensuring the educational success of its students, particularly those from communities of color.

DCAYA To Host Community Breakfast For East of the River Youth Serving Orgs

Are you a staff member or a parent of a youth that attends a program in Ward 7 or 8? Are you interested in how policies and decisions made by our elected officials effect youth serving organizations as well as youth themselves?

DPR Summer Camps 2012

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announces that registration is about to begin for another season of engaging and exciting summer camp programs. DPR Summer Camp registration will open for DC residents on February 27, 2012 at 12:00 PM. Registration will be open to non-residents on March 7, 2012 at 12:00 PM. Registration can be completed online or in-person at the DPR Summer Camp Office located at 1480 Girard Street, NW. Space fills on a first-come, first-served basis and enrollement is subject to availability.

DCAYA and member organizations testify before the Committee of the Whole

On Wednesday, February 8th, DCAYA and many of its member organizations testified before the Committee of the Whole at the Joint Education Performance Oversight Hearing about the DC Public Charter School Board, Office of the State Superintendent, DC Public Schools, and the Deputy Mayor for Education.

Please check back here for their testimony as it is made available.

Testimony of Nicole Hanrahan, Chief Strategy Officer, Latin American Youth Center

DCAYA to Host Call-In for CYITC

Join DCAYA's Community Call to Action on February 9th, 2012. Our goal is to flood Council with an outpouring of community support for the Children Youth Investment Trust Corporation and the role it playes in youth development. To maximize our impact, we are asking concerned citizens and partners to write, call ore email their ward representative and at large representatives in support of the Trust collectively on the 09th.

How can you get involved on the day of and in advance?

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors outstanding young leaders who have focused on helping their communities and fellow beings and/or on protecting the health and sustainability of the environment. The maximum award amount is $2,500. Youth ages 8-18 are eligible to be nominated. Deadline to receive nominations is April 30, 2012. For more information please go here.

Disney Friends for Change Grants

Disney Friends for Change Grants offer young change-makers an opportunity to receive a $1,000 grant to help make a lasting, positive change in the world. Areas include protection the planet, providing meals to those who need it or giving kids the resources they need to star in their own play, be an athelete or an artist. Youth ages 5-18 are eligible to apply for a $1,000 grant. Deadline for applications is February 29. For more information please go here.

Youth Courage Awards

The Colin Higgins Foundation announces its Colin Higgins Youth Courage Award which honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, queer, and questioning youth who have transformed their experiences with bigotry and discrimination into opportunities to inspire others by taking action, rallying support, building community, and working to change the systems and institutions that impact their lives. Deadline for applications is Febrary 29, 2012. For more information please go here.