Youth Workforce Development Program

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), the District of Columbia's cabinet-level agency for juvenile justice, has announced a funding opportunity to support a Youth Workforce Development Program. This initiative is specifically designed to provide justice-involved youth residing at the New Beginnings Youth Development Center with structured, marketable job skills and direct pathways to sustainable employment. The core objective is to improve the long-term outcomes for these youth by integrating soft skills training, vocational education, and real-world work experience that transitions them from institutional programming into community-based employment opportunities. The program employs a cohort-based, level-specific framework that starts with foundational job skills instruction within the New Beginnings facility. It subsequently advances to hands-on vocational training opportunities within the same secure environment and ultimately aims for external job placements for youth completing the program and returning to the community. DYRS emphasizes a strong preference for applicants that demonstrate prior success in workforce development programs and those capable of forging private sector partnerships to ensure youth are connected with viable employment avenues. The grant provides up to $200,000 in funding for a program lasting eight months, beginning on February 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (including those with IRS 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status), faith-based organizations, government agencies, universities and educational institutions, and private enterprises. All interested applicants must submit their proposals via the ZoomGrants Grants Management platform. The application window opens on November 10, 2025, and all completed submissions must be received by December 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted through ZoomGrants at the following URL: https://www.zoomgrants.com/zgf/DYRS/FY26_Youth_Workforce_Development_Program. The RFA will also be accessible on the DYRS website as well as through the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. There are no pre-application requirements or gating processes indicated. The performance period for this grant is eight months. While the current cycle ends in December 2025, there is no explicit mention of this opportunity recurring in subsequent years. For questions or further information, prospective applicants can contact DYRS at DYRS.Grants@dc.gov. The grant contact listed for inquiries is Turnesha Fish, who can be reached by phone at 202-294-1061 or by email at Turnesha.Fish@dc.gov.

Prioritize demonstrated success with employment placements and private sector partnerships as emphasized in the funding notice