WILL works with 9th—11th graders from DC public and charter schools.
WILL is free for WILL youth.
Yes, WILL is a 12-month program that runs from October through the following September. During the WILL year, youthare engaged in more than 335 hours of quality experiential activities and positive youth development, challenging growth, and learning opportunities
WILL programs typically take place on two Saturdays each month. In addition to these sessions, WILL youth go on two extended trips: a 3 day/2 night stay at the Chesapeake Bay over Spring Break, and a required 7-day summer expedition. Attendance is a key part of successfully completing the WILL year. Before applying to be in WILL, all interested youth must attend a 45-minute information session that covers what WILL is, the commitment, attendance requirements, how youth can earn service hours, details of the trips and expedition, our communication process, meals provided, meeting locations, the first couple of program dates, and the application process.
You can apply to become a WILL youth by attending a WILL information session at your school or communicating with Steve (See Contact Us) to arrange a meeting, and by completing the Application and Release forms provided by WILL and returning the forms to us. You will be informed if you are accepted to the program for the year. Apply here.
Meeting locations are in and around DC and vary according to the activity; typically everyone meets at a central location, then we travel as a group to the event. Sometimes we meet at the program site.
We provide an incredible fun year of learning while doing and experiencing diverse and challenging activities to enhance leadership, self-empowerment, life skills, environmental stewardship, and respect for others. For more details, see Programs.
Yes. We are the sum of our parts and every day is a learning opportunity – we are all learning from each other. If you are not with us, we cannot be at our best that day; everyone in WILL is losing the opportunity to learn from you, you are missing the opportunity to learn from everyone and are missing the lessons that day. You, as a leader, also have given your word to be with us. Commitment and accountability to one’s word are important.
Communicate. You may have a good reason not to be with us, but, except in an emergency, you have no reason not to communicate that you will not be with us.
Generally, we have 2 meet-up locations – In front of Bell Multicultural High School and at the Minnesota Avenue Metro Stop. From these locations, sometimes we take the Metro, and sometimes WILL uses a transportation service to drive us to the program location. If program locations are near Metro stations, WILL youth either take the Metro and walk a short distance to the program location or get a ride there.
Yes. WILL provides its services, activities, and programs in a respectful and positive environment. Acts of bullying, harassment, and intimidation are contrary to WILL’s values and are prohibited. See WILL’s Anti-Bullying Policy.
Yes. We provide morning and afternoon snacks and a freshly made lunch each time we are together, and breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the overnight programs.
Yes. If you graduate from WILL and participate in the Service Project(s), you will receive 25 hours of community service towards the 100 community service hours DC students need to graduate from high school.
Parents/guardians are an integral and important part of the WILL family and help ensure their child’s participation in WILL events and activities. That said, other than the Holiday Party, College Admissions Forum & Expedition Orientation, and Graduation, parents/guardians do not participate in WILL activities. We want WILL youth to have the benefit of the growth and learning opportunities provided without parental influence.