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WILL is a holistic 12-month experiential learning, youth leadership and life skills development program supported by 4 Pillars: Leadership & Self Awareness Life Skills Development, Environmental Awareness & Stewardship, Cultural Awareness & Appreciation.

09/21/2026

12 September 2026 – WILL 21st Class Graduation

Families and friends joined WILL youth to celebrate and honor the youths’ accomplishments, commitment, and grit, and their year of new experiences, personal growth, and development of life skills.

Congratulations to the graduates in WILL's 21st Class. You are awesome, and we know that you have greatness in your futures!

09/02/2026

22 August 2026 - Day at Mount Vernon

WILL youth spent an inspiring day exploring George Washington's Mount Vernon, gaining a new and deeper appreciation for Washington as President, General, and Farmer.

The day includes moving time spent laying a wreath and reflecting at the Memorial to the enslaved individuals who lived, worked, and died at Mount Vernon, touring the mansion, stepping into Washington’s shoes through Be Washington, an interactive and thought-provoking game of scenarios that Washington faced, and discussing how his innovative crop rotation and farming practices reflect SMART Goals rooted in financial literacy and environmental awareness.

08/24/2026

3-7 & 10-14 August 2026 - WILL Expeditions

WILL youth had amazing backpacking expeditions in Savage State Forest in western Maryland. While all 3 expeditions were unique, they share a common thread of individual and group challenge, discovery, and growth.

During the Expedition, comfort zones are stretched, we practice “Leave No Trace” ethics and environmental stewardship, reinforce accountability for choices and actions, and the importance of setting goals, action plans to achieve the goals, and commitment to one’s word and goals as a path to being effective in life. This invaluable experience reinforces a core WILL guidepost - if you are willing to go there, you can achieve anything.

Huge thanks to our incredible partner, Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School, for helping to create meaningful expedition experiences for WILL youth.

07/31/2026

July 25, 2026 - Service at Arcadia Farm

WILL Youth had a meaningful hard-working day of service at Arcadia Farm harvesting carrots and doing projects at the Farm that the Farm staff had not been able to do. The Farm utilizes sustainable growing practices, and is committed to increasing access to healthy, farm-fresh food to underserved DC neighborhoods through its mobile markets at which customers’ government subsidies are doubled.

At WILL, we believe leaders give to others and to their communities. Experiences like doing service at Arcadia Farm are core to the WILL journey and to the values we instill in WILL youth.

07/23/2026

11 & 19 July 2026 - Canoeing on the Anacostia River

WILL Youth had invigorating days canoeing on the Anacostia River. They reinforced their knowledge about the importance of wetlands, the role we play in the current and future health of the River, and had the chance to see bald eagles, cormorants, osprey, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and turtles basking in the sun.

Our youth not only embraced the challenges of canoeing, they expressed genuine interest in and respect for the natural world. This program is about more than paddling – it bolsters WILL’s 3rd pillar (Environmental Awareness & Stewardship) and fosters appreciation for the environment and inspires future stewards of our planet.

Thank you to our amazing partner, the Anacostia Watershed Society, for another awesome experience on the Anacostia River.

07/02/2026

27 June 2026 - WILL Grad Picnic
A day of stories and connection. WILL graduates from the 3rd class through last year’s class gathered for a picnic filled with laughter, memories, and gratitude. As they shared their WILL stories and a word to describe their WILL experience (see word cloud), themes emerged - friendships that became family, challenges that uncovered strength, and moments in WILL that continue to shape who they are today.

Listening to their reflections was a powerful reminder of the program’s enduring impact and our alumni’s incredible journeys fueled by their WILL experiences.

06/25/2026

20 June 2026 – Resume Writing & Interview Skills

During the day we focused on giving WILL youth the knowledge, practice, and confidence they need to shine. With the right tools in hand, they’ll be ready to pursue their goals with purpose.

WILL Youth had an engaging interactive day learning best practices in the job application process. We discussed the purpose of a resume, proper formatting, what to include/not include, and youth completed a form outlining the information to put in their resumes. In the afternoon, youth learned best practices to prepare for an interview, proper interview etiquette (attire, being prompt, what to bring, eye contact, the importance of thank you), being able to discuss how one’s skills match the job description , and doing one on one practice interviews.

06/19/2026

30 May 2026 - WILL Power Party

We had a FUN and MEMORABLE evening celebrating 22 years of WILL unleashing the potential of underserved DC area youth and honoring WILL Partners of the Year Laura Healy Hoffman and the Healy Foundation for their exceptional commitment to and support of WILL.

Huge thanks to WILL graduate Bernadet A, who eloquently spoke about her WILL experience and its lasting impact.

THANK YOU to the sponsors, donors, Tracy and Katie, WILL Board, The Edge Creative, Columbia Country Club, Jukeboxx, and attendees for making the WILL Power Party an exceptional evening.

06/11/2026

6 June 2026 - Scavenger Hunt on the National Mall

WILL youth had an exhilarating day learning about our Nation’s history by searching for answers to questions found in the monuments, memorials, and museums along the National Mall (over HALF the questions are in the National Gallery of Art!).

Test your knowledge with some of our scavenger hunt questions:

1. What do the columns around the Lincoln Memorial represent?
2. How many women’s names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall?
3. What do the stars on the Wall of Freedom at the WWII Memorial represent?
4. Who is the only U.S. president to serve in the House of Representatives after his presidency?
5. How many lions are in Rubens’s Daniel in the Lions’ Den?

05/29/2026

The WILL Power Party auction is OPEN and this year’s auction is the best ever 🎉

Bid online RIGHT NOW on:

⚾ 5 first-row Nationals Diamond Club seats (Nats v. Reds, Aug 9)
🏀 Courtside Mystics seats + Georgia Amoore signed basketball
⚽ DC United Club seats (Sept 12 vs. Atlanta United)
🍷 Three bottles of 1996 Château La Mission Haut-Brion
🥃 Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon + High West Midwinter Night's Dram
🎒 Patagonia gear, SCOUT bags, BCBG fashion + dining at 12+ DC restaurants

At the party Saturday night, bid live on Half Moon Resort Jamaica 🇯🇲, a Stowe Vermont getaway 🎿, The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown 🥂, the MoCo Golf Doubleheader ⛳, and a 12-bottle curated spirits collection 🍾

Can't make the party? Bid online and we'll ship your winnings to you. https://WILLpower2026.givesmart.com

Every bid supports WILL and our work unleashing the potential of underserved DC area youth.

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Telephone

+12023192765

Website

http://www.will-lead.org/

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