Workforce Investment & Social Enterprise (WISE) is the Work Skills division within the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC). WISE offers a holistic program of job skills and life skills training, job placement services, GED preparation, and support services for out-of-school youth ages 16-24.

Job Readiness Classes

Our 12-week curriculum covers:

• Resume and cover letter writing;
• Interviewing skills;
• Career planning;
• Goal setting;
• Life skills;
• Time management;
• Communication;
• Conflict resolution;
• Self-esteem.

Career Exploration Workshops
Working professionals from a variety of industries, including retail, hospitality, finance, health care, and construction, give lectures and lead workshops with WISE participants. These guest instructors discuss career paths within their industries, share professional advice and insights, and provide instruction in specific skill areas such as customer service and personal financial management. In this way students gain “real world” knowledge directly from employers.

GED Preparation Classes
WISE youth without a high school diploma will have the opportunity to take GED and pre-GED classes to prepare them for taking the “General Educational Development” exam. These classes focus on writing, literature/ reading, social studies, science, and math. We also offer academic tutoring.

Case Management
We provide case management for youth to ensure successful completion of the WISE program. Case managers assist students with matters ranging from housing assistance, transportation, child care referrals, and more. Case managers also interact with students on a daily basis to ensure students are moving forward with stated goals.

Job Placement
Once participants complete the 12-week core curriculum, they work with the WISE Job Placement Specialist to obtain a job, internship, or apprenticeship. If a participant wishes to continue with school, the Job Placement Specialist will help him or her identify and apply to an appropriate post-secondary academic program.

Ben & Jerry’s PartnerShops
The Latin American Youth Center owns and operates two DC-based Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops in Eastern Market and Chevy Chase. These shops give youth the opportunity to work in a real-world business environment where they are introduced to the expectations, pressures and rewards of the work world.

WISE youth have the opportunity to apply for part time employment in the shops, where they focus on customer service, cash management and basic business concepts.

We also conduct skill-building workshops for all WISE participants within the shops as part of the core job training curriculum.

Contact Information

For more information or to enroll:

Osvaldo Peña,
Outreach Coordinator
1474-B Columbia Road, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Tel 202.319.0270
Fax 202.232.2895

Email: osvaldo@layc-dc.org