LEAP
Comprehensive job readiness training, certification in an industry-recognized field, and assistance with job placement. LEAP uses a wraparound approach: you work closely with a case manager for personalized support throughout the program.
Out-of-School Program
The Out-of-School Program supports young people aged 16 to 24 who are not attending school. It provides occupational skills training, career counseling, work readiness, basic education, GED preparation and supported internships.
Program facts
- Who it's for
- Out-of-school youth ages 16–24 who are not attending school
- What's included
- Occupational skills training, career counseling, work readiness, basic education
- Tracks
- LEAP, PATH and PACE
About the program
What the Out-of-School Program is
For young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in school. The program covers occupational skills training, career counseling, work readiness, basic education and GED preparation, and it can place you in a supported internship. Three tracks run inside it: LEAP, PATH and PACE.
No window open right now
Tell us you are interested and we will write to you the day the next one opens, before it goes anywhere else.
Email usWho we serve
Out-of-school youth, ages 16 to 24
The Out-of-School Program supports young people aged 16 to 24 who are not attending school. It provides occupational skills training, career counseling, work readiness, basic education, GED preparation and supported internships.
The formal definition is beside this — you only need to match one of the situations listed.
Who qualifies
An OSY is an individual who is:
- Not attending any school (as defined under State law);
- Not younger than age 16 or older than age 24 at time of enrollment; and
- One or more of the following:
- A school dropout;
- A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter;
- A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is either basic skills deficient or an English language learner;
- An offender;
- A homeless individual, a homeless child or youth, or a runaway;
- An individual in foster care or who has aged out of the foster care system or who has attained 16 years of age and left foster care for kinship guardianship or adoption, a child eligible for assistance under sec. 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out-of-home placement;
- An individual who is pregnant or parenting;
- An individual with a disability; or
- A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.
Tracks
Three ways through the program
PATH
Occupational skills training, career awareness counseling, work readiness modules, basic education, GED preparation, supported internships and vocational skills training — helping you reach short and long-term educational and employability goals.
PACE
For participants who may face learning challenges and need extra support before certification training. Through PACE you can take Enrichment training, earn a GED, or achieve High School accreditation, with wraparound services and close guidance from a case manager.
What to expect
How you get started
Start by completing an intake to help us understand your eligibility and goals. Then, take an assessment and based on your results, we'll match you to the best-fit program to help you move forward in your career with confidence and clarity.
-
First step
Intake
You meet the team and share where you are now.
-
Second step
Assessment
We look at your skills, your goals and what support you need.
-
Third step
Program match
You are matched to the track that fits — LEAP, PATH or PACE.
Start your application
Applications for Out-of-School Program are handled online. Create an account, choose this program, and the DOES team picks it up from there.
Questions before you apply? Lashell Green lashell.green@dc.gov