Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is launching a new Public Service Program in partnership with HBCUs, Howard University, and the University of the District of Columbia.

The new program, set to start next year, will create a pipeline for graduating seniors at the two HBCUs to pursue a career in public service.

“We want the best and the brightest, the people who are passionate about our community, to work at DC Government. The HBCU Public Service Program will keep talent in DC and bring young leaders into DC Government,” said Bowser.

The program will be open for one year to graduating seniors who are earning a bachelor’s degree. D.C. government agencies participating in the program will convert existing and due-to-hire full-time positions into apprenticeship positions for 25 apprentices that will begin in June 2024.

Participants in the program will also be able to take a professional development course at their universities that will be led by the District Department of Employment Services (DOES). After they successfully finish the program, participants will be eligible for a promotion within the D.C. government. All seniors participating in the program must be D.C. residents while in the program. 

“We know that people, including many of our university students, come to DC and stay in DC because they want to change the world. We want people to know that they can change the world, one person, one program, and one community at a time, in DC Government,” Bowser said.