About LAYC Career Academy
The LAYC Career Academy is an innovative model that provides youth ages 16-24 with college credits / AP-style classes; a rigorous and flexible GED, college preparatory curriculum; and career preparation in the healthcare and information technology fields. This school is the first in the District of Columbia to ever receive unconditional approval from the DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB) and the first GED school in the country to obtain a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, a foundation known for its dedication to high quality college preparatory models.
Students at the LAYC Career Academy will leave the school fully prepared for a career and college. To graduate, students will have the choice of becoming a Medical Assistant, obtaining A+ Certification in the field of Information Technology, or earning six college credits (the equivalent of two Advanced Placement classes). Medical Assistants have average starting salaries of $30,000 per year including benefits and good opportunities for growth. The demand for these jobs is expected to grow by 35% over ten years. A+ Certified computer hardware technicians earn entry-level salaries of $35,000 or more plus benefits and great advancement opportunities. Jobs in Information Technology, including those for A+ Certified Technicians, are amongst the fastest growing occupations in the region. Students can also start their college education by completing six college credits (the equivalent of two AP classes) through LAYC's partnership with Bard College and the Community College of the District of Columbia.
The Career Academy's program is grounded in positive youth development principles that foster skills like self-awareness, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and resilience. The school will use a "Primary Person" advisor-advocate model, community building, student recognition programs, and social activities to create a school environment in which students feel comfortable and valued.
The LAYC Career Academy is now open in the Columbia Heights neighborhood with an enrollment of 100 students. The school will reach full enrollment of 200 students by the 2014-2015 academic year.
If you are interested in the LAYC Career Academy please contact us or visit our admissions page.
Learn about the founding group
Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) is a multicultural youth center that has been committed to transforming the lives of young people for over 40 years. Through its network of community-based youth centers, school-based sites, and public charter schools LAYC strives to help all low-income and minority youth in the Washington DC region make a successful transition to young adulthood with the skills they need to succeed educationally, professionally, and personally.
LAYC is known for achieving excellent program outcomes; operating one of the most sophisticated outcomes measurement systems in the nonprofit sector; and, receiving local and national recognition for its work with youth, such as inclusion in the Social Innovation Fund. For more information, please visit www.layc-dc.org