(Washington, DC) – On Friday, September 26, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) celebrated the promotion of 23 Pathways Program Ambassadors from its 21st Pathways Cohort with a ceremony at Capital Turnaround in Ward 6. 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.

“Our Pathways Program continues to connect transformational opportunity with budding promise,” says ONSE Executive Director Kwelli Sneed, “I am so proud of our ambassadors who are determined to be leaders in their communities— proving investment in people yields powerful returns, and by taking this pathway of opportunity, we continue to send a clear call to action: “put down the guns.”

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.

During the program, Ambassadors engaged in enrichment courses and workshops focused on enhancing life skills and workforce development. Comprehensive core training includes financial and digital literacy, career readiness, community empowerment, entrepreneurship, and professionalism. Pathways Ambassadors explored Shark Tank business pitches; business etiquette; interviewing and resume development; audio engineering and podcasting; restorative justice through nature; and volunteerism. Participants are referred to the program by community-based organizations and successful alumni.

Cohort 21 highlights include a boardroom-style meeting with cabinet-level executives to learn of the District’s efforts to curb gun violence and provide innovative ideas from their perspective.  Ambassadors earned certifications in Occupational Health and Safety Administration, traffic safety flagger, and First Aid/CPR, NARCAN, and Stop the Bleed.

Graduates of Cohort 21 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 nearly 590 young men across the District.

With Mayor Bowser’s investment of $6.7 million in the FY26 Grow DC budget, ONSE will continue to foster safer neighborhoods for District residents and their communities.

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