Capital City Youth Leadership & Service CorpsCCYLSC

About CC-YLSC

A youth leadership and service initiative equipping young people ages 13-35 in Washington, DC with character, civic responsibility, workforce readiness, and a commitment to community and national service.

Overview

The Capital City Youth Leadership & Service Corps (CC-YLSC) is a youth leadership and service initiative designed to support national and local priorities in youth development, workforce readiness, civic engagement, and community resilience.

Based in Washington, DC, CC-YLSC positions its leaders as a trusted civic and community partner, mobilizing students and young professionals to serve their communities while developing the ethical and leadership capacity required for public, private, and nonprofit service.

The program is intentionally structured to align with the mission of the White House Faith Office, local government agencies, educational institutions, and multilateral partners.

Program Purpose

CC-YLSC exists to strengthen the leadership pipeline of values-driven young people by integrating:

  • Character and ethical leadership formation
  • Civic literacy and public-service orientation
  • Workforce and career readiness
  • Community and national service

The initiative responds to a growing need for youth leadership models that combine moral grounding with civic competence.

Target Population

  • Students (high school, undergraduate, and graduate)
  • Young professionals (early–mid career)
  • Ages 13–35
  • Residents of the Washington, DC metropolitan area
  • Participants from diverse faith, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds

CC-YLSC maintains a nonpartisan and inclusive posture, welcoming participants regardless of religious affiliation.

Program Design & Structure

Cohort Model

12-week leadership and service cohorts

Format

Hybrid (in-person and virtual)

Schedule

Evenings and weekends

Location

Washington, DC Metro Area

Cohorts per Year: 2–3

Each cohort concludes with a Capstone Leadership & Service Project addressing identified community needs.

Core Pillars

1. Civic Leadership & Ethics

Training in ethical decision-making, servant leadership, civic responsibility, and public-service awareness, equipping participants to engage constructively with institutions and communities.

2. Workforce & Career Readiness

Professional development covering leadership discipline, communication, mentorship, and exposure to career pathways across government, nonprofit, technology, and private sectors.

3. Community & National Service

Structured service projects in partnership with community organizations, designed to deliver measurable impact while cultivating a lifelong ethic of service.

4. Faith & Character Formation

Values-based leadership development emphasizing integrity, accountability, and social responsibility as foundations for sustainable leadership.

SWAD - Students With A Difference

SWAD (Students With A Difference) is a mentorship and development program that equips high school students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, with the guidance, skills, and resources needed to thrive academically and personally.

By pairing students with relatable mentors such as college students and young professionals, SWAD delivers a mix of in-school workshops and virtual sessions focused on goal setting, time management, college preparation, scholarship access, and self-discovery.

In collaboration with schools and community organizations, the program tailors its approach to local needs, helping students build confidence, pursue higher education, and prepare for lifelong success.

Strategic Alignment

CC-YLSC supports public and civic priorities including:

  • Youth leadership development
  • Workforce preparation and professional readiness
  • Faith-based community engagement
  • National and community service
  • Civic responsibility and social cohesion

The program is designed to complement—not duplicate—existing federal and local youth initiatives.

Partnership Opportunities

CC-YLSC welcomes collaboration with:

  • Government agencies and faith liaisons
  • Educational institutions
  • Workforce development organizations
  • Community-based and faith-based nonprofits
  • International and multilateral youth initiatives, including programs aligned with the United Nations

Partnerships may include:

  • Joint service initiatives
  • Youth leadership roundtables
  • Training and mentorship support
  • Program referrals and placements

Outcomes & Accountability

CC-YLSC employs outcome-driven evaluation methods, including:

  • Number of youth trained per cohort
  • Community service hours completed
  • Workforce and academic advancement outcomes
  • Pre- and post-leadership skill assessments
  • Partner and community feedback reports

Annual impact summaries are produced for stakeholders and partners.

Governance & Oversight

  • Program Director (BLW Oasis Capital City)
  • Advisory Board comprising educators, civic leaders, workforce professionals, and community stakeholders
  • Clear compliance standards ensuring nonpartisan, non-electoral operations

Long-Term Vision

Over the next five years, CC-YLSC aims to:

  • Serve 10,000+ youth annually
  • Establish Washington, DC as a model hub for faith-based civic youth leadership
  • Expand into additional U.S. cities
  • Serve as a reliable partner to government and civic institutions advancing youth development

Ready to Get Involved?

Join us in building the next generation of values-driven leaders.