About

The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program is the largest summer youth employment program per capita in the United States, and one of the nation's longest-running — now in its 47th year. Founded by Mayor Marion Barry in 1979, the program places DC residents ages 14–24 in six-week paid internships at over 700 employer sites across the District, spanning private companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and cultural institutions. Participants are matched to placements based on interest and availability, and host sites range from federal agencies and hospitals to law firms, community organizations, and schools. The program is entirely locally funded — 97% by DC tax dollars — with no cost to participants.

For many DC high schoolers, MBSYEP provides a first formal work experience: a structured professional environment, a documented employment history, direct exposure to career pathways, and a paycheck. An annual Career Expo and Hiring Fair — scheduled for April 17, 2026 — allows participants to explore host sites before placements are finalized. Career development workshops and financial literacy training are integrated into the program alongside on-the-job work. Approximately half of all participants are ages 14–16, and roughly 90% are Black, reflecting the program's disproportionate reach into the communities that have historically faced the greatest barriers to early employment.

Since Mayor Bowser took office, over 126,000 DC youth have participated and earned more than $130 million in wages. For participants ages 18–24 who complete the program and enroll in post-secondary education or vocational training, MBSYEP also offers the Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship — 75 awards of $2,500 each, paid directly to the receiving institution.