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The following is an excerpt from the Washington City Paper’s June 27 story “D.C.’s Summer Jobs Program Begins Second Year With Older Youth” by Andrew Giambrone:

Ronella Williams lives in Ward 7 near the Deanwood Metro station. She’s 22 and says that for “people in my age range, it’s kind of hard for them to find work, especially if you don’t have education.”

Williams has a two-year degree, but wants to go back to school this fall for a bachelor’s. In the meantime, she’ll work at the Downtown Business Improvement District near Metro Center for the next six weeks. She’s one of thousands of young residents ages 14 to 24 participating in the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program—named for the late mayor and in its 37th year.

“I’m using this program as an opportunity, because they don’t turn you [away] unless you live out of D.C.,” says Williams, who has participated in the program twice before. “I’m using it to help me get my foot in the door to expand my career.”

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