We are beyond thrilled with the way that we have been able to engage and support DC students over the past 12 months. We have seen some truly incredible student business pitches, experienced one of the most exciting Sales bazaars of recent memory at the Roosevelt STAY Opportunity Academy, and held our first in-person BUILDFest since 2019.
As the summer season gradually comes to a close and a new school year approaches, we want to take a moment to reflect on some FY23 achievements and share a recap of our summer.
For the 2022 to 2023 school year, we are pleased to report that – thanks to the support of our partner schools, community-based organization partners, Board members, donors, teachers, staff, corporate partners, and volunteers – BUILD Metro DC:
- Had 14 schools using the BUILD curriculum
- Onboarded 3 new partners,
- Served 248 students, and
- Created hundreds of smiles
BUILDFest DC Pitch Challenge Announce Winners
On June 15th, BUILD Metro DC celebrated the entrepreneurial talents of our students across the DMV at our annual culminating event, BUILDFest DC.
Three finalist teams competed, but in the end Choice 1 Landz from Roosevelt S.T.A.Y. Opportunity Academy was named our 2023 BUILDFest Metro D.C. Youth Pitch Challenge Champion. Choice 1 Landz, is a landscaping business that aims at giving second chances to at-risk youth while beautifying the community.
”There’s no greater vantage point to see students come alive and the full, transformative power of what we do than BUILDFest. It truly is the best of BUILD” -Karleton Thomas, BUILD Metro D.C. Regional Executive Director.
In addition to recognizing our incredibly talented students, BUILD DC also honored community partners, educators, and board members with 2023 BUILD Spark Awards.
A Special Thank You to our 2023 BUILDFest DC Sponsors: EY, Deloitte, Capital One, and Morrison & Forester.
A Historic Graduation at Gallaudet University – 70 years in the making
On July 22nd, Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., held a historic graduation ceremony honoring 24 Black deaf students and four Black teachers of the Kendall School Division II for Negroes, which operated on the campus of Gallaudet University in the 1950s. The 24 Black deaf students and their teachers were denied diplomas 70 years ago due to segregation. In addition, the university proclaimed July 22nd as “Kendall 24 Day” and issued a Board of Trustees proclamation acknowledging and apologizing for its role in the grave injustice committed against the 24 students.
BUILDing Excellence
Research shows that students who build relationships with caring, consistent adult mentors set higher educational goals, have better school attendance, grow in essential interpersonal and emotional skills such as self-awareness and problem-solving, and are more likely to complete high school and succeed in college.
BUILD Mentors work with students as they learn teamwork and collaboration skills, create and grow their businesses, pitch to investors, and manufacture and sell their products. No prior experience is necessary!
