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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.

04/24/2026

April 11-13 & 15-17, 2026 - Spring Break at the Bay

WILL youth built on environmental education begun in the fall – learned more about sediment, nutrients, and toxics (the 3 biggest polluters of the Bay), climate change and erosion and their impact on the Bay, the filtration, habitat, barrier, and food source benefits of the marsh, and how to be better environmental stewards. We set crab pots, hand tonged for oysters, progged on and explored Holland Island, a rapidly eroding barrier island, played fun games in the marsh, learned Leave No Trace ethics, and saw amazing sunrises and sunsets.

04/09/2026

April 4, 2026 - CPR & First Aid

WILL youth had an empowering day learning vital life skills. They earned CPR certification, and gained first aid knowledge, including the stomach thrust (formerly known as Heimlich), applying well-aimed direct pressure to wounds, why not to remove impaled objects, treating burns with cool water for 10 minutes (no ice or butter), and managing allergic reactions, heat-related conditions, and hypothermia. These skills equip WILL youth to respond confidently to situations they may encounter.

03/27/2026

21 March 2026 – Celebrating Woman’s History Month and 3rd of 3 WILL Financial Literacy & SMART Goals Days

WILL youth had an engaging and interactive day of learning and teaching!

We began the day celebrating Woman’s History Month, discussing 6 extraordinary, perhaps sometimes lesser-known Women (Sonia Sotomayor, Mary McLeod Bethune, Patsy Mink, Katherine Johnson, Deb Haaland, and Alice Paul – do you know them?) and their accomplishments and impact.

We then focused on financial literacy exploring different types of bank accounts, credit v. debit cards, credit and credit scores and the factors that impact one’s credit score, loans and investing. In the afternoon, we focused on SMART Goals. WILL Youth worked in five groups with each concentrating on one letter of the SMART Goals acronym and teaching important aspects of that letter to the larger group.

03/12/2026

7 March 2026 - 2nd of 3 WILL Financial Literacy and SMART Goals Days

WILL Youth had an enlightening morning exploring the concept of budgeting - learning about, discussing, and differentiating necessary and discretionary expenses (needs and wants), how to set a budget, and engaging in a practical exercise of doing a budget.

In the afternoon, we reviewed the SMART Goals framework with WILL Youth, and then they worked in small groups to create a SMART goal from the different general matter to be addressed that each group was provided.

02/26/2026

21 February 2026 - Celebrating Black History Month & Biases, DEI, and Social Justice Day

In honor of Black History Month, WILL youth learned about and discussed the lives and achievements of five remarkable - but often lesser-known - Black American women: Claudette Colvin, Shirley Chisholm, Mae Jemison, Barbara Jordan, and Wilma Rudolph, along with DC’s Native Son Duke Ellington.

WILL youth then engaged in an insightful day examining topics like bias, prejudice, power, equity, equity versus equality, barriers, and social justice. Through thoughtful discussions, they reflected on how they see others and themselves, and that embracing inclusivity is central to being effective in life and as a leader.

02/12/2026

7 February 2026 - 2nd Nutrition and Cultural Awareness & Appreciation Day

WILL youth enjoyed an informative, interactive morning as they continued to learn about making healthy nutrition choices. They reviewed macronutrients, took a deeper dive into the types of fats (unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats), and discussed and engaged in activities relating to recommended sugar intake, natural vs. added sugars, and the differences between whole and processed foods. We re-emphasized the importance of reading food labels as youth compared nutrition labels of similar foods to identify the healthier options.

They had a lively afternoon learning about Ukrainian culture and music from Gerdan (Andrei and Solomia), and Steve B, learning/doing folk dance.

01/30/2026

1st of 3 Financial Literacy & SMART Goals Days - Jan. 24, 2026

WILL youth had an enlightening, interactive day. We began the day by honoring Martin Luther King Jr. WILL youth gathered in small groups, choosing an MLK quote that resonated with that group from the 13 quotes that were provided to everyone, and sharing the quote and what about the quote “spoke” to them.

During the morning, we focused on financial literacy – discussing the concept of dignity and living with financial dignity; in the afternoon, WILL youth learned the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) Goal framework, and, in small groups, set a short-term and a long-term goal with action plans to achieve them.

01/15/2026

1st Nutrition & Cultural Awareness and Appreciation Day - January 10, 2026

WILL youth had an engaging morning learning about the USDA's "My Plate," the 3 types of macronutrients (carbs, fats, and proteins), what calories are, how many calories are burned doing various activities, the information on food labels, and the importance of reading the labels to make healthy nutrition choices for themselves.

In the afternoon, the Bill Baker Band treated us to the genre of music known as Americana. We had a great time enjoying the energy of the music, dancing throughout this amazing cultural and educational experience.

01/08/2026

WILL Alumni Holiday Lunch - December 30, 2025

The annual WILL Alumni Holiday Lunch is a cherished tradition, bringing graduates together during the holidays to reunite with their classmates, meet and become friends with other members of the WILL family, and reminisce about their experiences.

Hearing from our alumni about the impact WILL has had on their personal and professional journeys is always inspiring. To all our incredible alumni who joined us: THANK YOU for being part of WILL and for continuing to carry our transformative lessons and values forward.

12/24/2025

Spreading Holiday Cheer
Julie & Steve enjoyed playing Santa before the holiday break. We visited our partner schools and organizations to deliver gifts to say Thank You to our POCs, principals, and security personnel for their incredible support of WILL and the amazing work they do. Thank you for helping us make a difference - together, we’re building brighter futures!

12/18/2025

WILL Holiday Party – 13 December 2025

WILL Youth arrived in the morning to create a festive atmosphere, decorating trees, tables, and stockings. Families joined us to: make stockings, enjoy a delicious holiday meal, be together in the spirit of the Holidays, and learn more about WILL. Each WILL youth received a special gift, and each family received a poinsettia.

Thank you to our WILL families, supporters, and youth for making this season so meaningful. Best wishes to all for a joyous Holiday Season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026."

11/25/2025

WILL River Days: Environmental Literacy & Biodiversity - November 15 & 22, 2025

WILL Youth spent engaging educational days on the Anacostia & Potomac Rivers with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation learning about the watersheds and performing water quality and biodiversity tests to check on the health of these vital arteries to the heart of the Mid-Atlantic - the Chesapeake Bay. Youth also had the exhilarating empowering experience of driving the boat.

Through experiences like these, WILL youth develop environmental curiosity and skills and gain a personal connection to our natural world, as they become our next generation of environmental stewards.

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Telephone

+12023192765

Website

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

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