SWADC recently concluded another successful summer, marked by a growing number of participants, an expanded curriculum, and increased support from local DC organizations. Courtesy of the Author
By Eric Smith
Co-Founder, Southwest DC Academy
The Southwest DC community continues to build on its transformational legacy, focusing on empowering youth through education, exposure, mentoring, and love. Southwest Academy DC (SWADC), located in the basement of Westminster Presbyterian Church, is continuing to do its arty in this change for the second consecutive summer. SWADC recently concluded another successful summer, marked by a growing number of participants, an expanded curriculum, and increased support from local DC organizations.
Over seven weeks, SWADC’s dedicated staff mentored and introduced young people to the world of IT, audio-video engineering, financial literacy, substance use disorder education, and various other topics. Through patient guidance and unwavering support, these young “ambassadors of goodwill” discovered and unlocked their potential. Each week, SWADC educated, exposed, and empowered (SWADC’s three core principles) students using a simple schedule: three days of interactive classroom learning, one professional day introducing ambassadors to professionals from different industries, and a Friday Field Trip.
Throughout this experience, up to 19 youth ambassadors gained knowledge in areas such as technology (cybersecurity, hardware support, software support, networking, ethical hacking, artificial intelligence), audio/video production (soundboard management, stage setup, lighting, video recording, beat making), marketing & videography (graphic design, reel/movie creation, website and logo design), and life skills (substance use treatment, health and wellness, law and civic engagement, financial literacy). This success is made possible by SWADC’s founders: George Kerr of GIII Associates, Eric Smith of Go Green Cares (STEAM+), and Clarence Turner. SWADC was thrilled to hire former program alum, Southwest native, and Delaware State University junior Camille Norris as the Program Manager.
“We believe this represents the significance and impact of what SWADC continues to strive toward,” said George Kerr Co-Executive Director of SWADC.
Through partnerships with local organizations, SWADC Ambassadors learned healthy cooking skills and the power of food and community from the talented chefs at DC Central Kitchen. They gained a deeper understanding of the intersection of art and technology with Artechouse, explored community roles and civic engagement with MPD, and even visited the White House to learn about the political process and the importance of civic involvement.
The Southwest community has been critical to the success of this program, including organizations like SWBID, Living Classrooms, SWNA, and the Spy Museum. SWADC also partnered with other local organizations like Jerk at Nite, Sasha Bruce, SWBID, YHelp!, Zen Wellness Studio, and Good Money Give Back.
This narrative is a testament to the power of education and mentorship, demonstrating how the cultivation of technical skills and mentorship can pave the way for a future free from violence and substance use disorder. It proves that these young people hold the keys to their success and the transformation of their community. This program would not be possible without the support of SWADC’s fiscal sponsors: Westminster DC, the Local Mission Grant for DC Congregations from National Capital Presbytery, Friends of Southwest Foundation, and Sasha Bruce. The program is also partially sponsored by the State Opioid Response grant through the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health. Additionally, SWADC extends its gratitude to the DC Government for the continuation of the Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Empowerment Program, which allowed SWADC to compensate Ambassadors while providing them with real-life work experience to enhance their resumes.
The program’s ethos, beautifully encapsulated by Maya Turner (2023/2024 SWADC Alumni), “There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. You just need to find it even if it seems impossible,” is a beacon of inspiration. It reflects the academy’s unwavering commitment to guiding students through learning challenges, helping them uncover their potential and empower them to pursue boundless opportunities in technology and creative arts.
SWADC has already begun planning for Summer 2025, aiming to expand its offerings and curriculum to include community-facing services and age-based programming. To learn more about Southwest Academy DC, you can visit swacademydc.com or their Instagram account @SWAcademyDC.