(Washington, DC) – On Friday June 20th, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) celebrated the promotion of 22 Pathways Program Ambassadors from its 20th Pathways Cohort with a ceremony at Capitol Turnaround in Ward 6. The Ambassadors join nearly 560 alumni who’ve completed this nonclinical cognitive behavioral transformation (CBT) program designed to provide participants with an alternative to violence. 

“Access to opportunity is not only transformational, but also life-affirming,” says ONSE Executive Director Kwelli Sneed, “I am so proud of our ambassadors who are determined to be leaders in their communities—exposing young people, from sons and nephews to those on the block, to a clear call to action: “put down the guns.” 

The Pathways Program is a transformative mentoring, employment, and training opportunity for men between the ages of 18 and 35 who are at the highest risk of engagement in violent crime. 

The Pathways Program is divided into three phases of programming: 

• Phase One features 10 weeks of intensive classroom-based life and job skills training. 

• Phase Two includes three months of subsidized employment to provide participants with career skills, positive work habits, and an established employment record. 

• Phase Three offers long-term retention and support services to help participants transition to stable employment and pursue their professional and personal goals. 

In addition to training, participants receive wrap around services such as nutritional counseling, mental health services, housing assistance referrals, civic engagement and access to pro-social recreation and extracurricular activities. Participants are referred to the program by community-based organizations and successful alumni. 

 
Cohort 20 highlights include a boardroom-style meeting with City Administrator Kevin Donahue and other District leaders. Ambassadors earned certifications in Occupational Health and Safety Administration, traffic safety flagger, and First Aid/CPR, NARCAN, and Stop the Bleed.  

Graduates of Cohort 20 are preparing for careers in fields such as information technology, commercial driving, and environmental and community services to further enhance their skills and increase long-term employability. 

Since 2018, the Pathways Program has served as a bridge between government agencies and private and public-sector partners creating long term opportunities for young men across the District. With Mayor Bowser’s investment of $6.7 million in the FY26 Grow DC budget, ONSE will continue to scale the programs impact, fostering safer neighborhoods and opening doors for District residents and their communities.  

For more information on the Pathways Program and other services of ONSE, visit onse.dc.gov.