WUSA 9: Mayor Bowser partners with DC Government to create jobs for HBCU students in Public Service

Amber Anderson, WUSA 9

WASHINGTON — Mayor Muriel Bowser is launching a new Public Service Program in partnership with Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia. These two Historically Black Colleges and Universities offer world-class education to students from all over the country. 

The District will partner the two HBCUs with the D.C. government to create a pipeline for senior students pursuing careers in public service. Bowser made the announcement on Wednesday.

“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,” said Bowser. “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.”

The program will launch early next year. D.C. government agencies participating in the program will convert 25 due-to-hire full-time positions into apprenticeships. The program will be open for one year to graduating seniors. 

For the seniors selected to participate, once hired the HBCU Public Service Program will begin in June 2024. After they have successfully completed the one-year program, participants will be eligible for a status increase within D.C. Government. All seniors participating in the program must be D.C. residents while in the program. 

The District is partnering with i-team to redesign the current careers.dc.gov website. Once that has launched seniors can apply for the apprenticeships through there. 

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