College and Career Readiness
It's never too early to plan for what comes after high school, whether your child is entering college, a trade, the workforce, or the military.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs at DC High Schools
DC Public Schools and DC Public Charter schools offer CTE programs that prepare students for high-qage, high-demand careers. CTE incorporates job training, career mentoring, and work-bsed learning to set students up for success. Begin your journey by exploring pathways and finding programs near you at careertechdc.org.
Advanced Technical Centers (ATCs)
The ATCs are innovative centers where students can earn college credits and industry credentials at no cost. Students entering 9th, 10th, and 11th grades at any DCPS or DC public charter high school are eligible to enroll at one of the two ATCs while also enrolled at their primary high school. Visit careertechdc.org/atc or speak with your school counselor for more information.
OSSE Advanced Internship Program (AIP)
AIP is an opportunity for career and technical education (CTE) students to participate in paid and credit-bearing internships aligned with their CTE program of study during the school year. Interns work 8-12 hours a week and are paid for their time. For more information, visit bit.ly/OSSEAIP.
OSSE Dual Enrollment Program
The Dual Enrollment Program allows eligible high school students to take college courses at one of 12 local colleges and universities. The program is open to both DCPS and public charter high schools, and allows students to develop habits to set them up for academic succces. Learn more at osse.dc.gov/page/osse-dual-enrollment-opportunities.
Financial Assistance for Students Planning on Attending College
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
The DC Tuition Assistance Grant provides grants of up to $15,000 per year toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at two-year and four-year public colleges and universities. It also provides up to $3,750 annually for students attending private, four-year, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide or private nonprofit institutions in the DC region.
Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year are open through Friday, August 21. To apply, eligible students must complete the DC OneApp, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and submit required supporting documents. The DC OneApp needs to be recertified yearly. For more detailed information and to access the DC OneApp, visit osse.dc.gov/dctag.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DC students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal aid for college. Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward gaining federal financial aid for college. Learn more at osse.dc.gov/fafsa.
Mayor's Scholars Undergraduate Program
The Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program provides need-based funding for eligible District of Columbia residents earning their first associate or bachelor’s degree at select area colleges and universities. The program is a last-dollar award, meaning it can be used to fill the gap between a student’s financial aid package and the cost of attendance at their college or university. Learn more and apply at osse.dc.gov/mayorsscholars.
Pathways to Public Service
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Cadet Corps
The MPD Cadet Corps is a specialized program for Distric tresidents ages 17-24 to serve as full-time or part-time uniformed civilian employees. After graduating from high school, part-time cadets are automatically enrolled in the University of the District of Columbia and earn up to 60 tuition-free credits toward a degree. Full-time cadets are fast-tracked to enter MPD’s Police Officer Recruit Program. Learn more at https://joinmpd.dc.gov/metropolitan-police/cadet.
Office of Unified Communications (OUC) Junior Academy
The OUC Junior Academy is a five-week program that gives District residents ages 14-24 an overview of 911 and 311 communications and teaches them how they can serve their communities. Learn more and apply at ouc.dc.gov/page/junior-academy.
DC Fire and EMS Cadet Program
The DC Fire and EMS Cadet Program introduces recent DC high school graduates to an exciting career in fire suppression and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Cadets earn industry certifications including EMT, Firefighter, and HAZMAT qualifications. The program is free, and participants earn a competitive starting salary with benefits. Learn more at fems.dc.gov/page/cadet-program.
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC)
DC Public Schools offers Army and Navy JROTC programs. JROTC provides cadets the motivation and skills to improve physical fitness, remain drug free, think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, work as a team member, graduate from high school, and pursue meaningful careers. Learn more at dcps.dc.gov/jrotc.