Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP)
Creating Brighter Futures by Enriching the Minds of America's Youth and FamiliesThe Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) Summer Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) is a dynamic six-week enrichment experience designed for youth ages 9–13, combining STEM education with hands-on, project-based exploration. Throughout the summer, students dive into exciting learning pathways—including bikes and technology, workforce readiness, utility and construction, social-emotional growth, financial literacy, renewable energy, and mindfulness—supported by expert partners and caring instructors. ETO CRESP also features engaging field trips that bring learning to life, allowing scholars to experience real-world career environments, technology centers, and cultural institutions. In addition, students participate in an inspiring speaker series, where industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders share their journeys and spark curiosity about future opportunities. Together, these experiences build confidence, expand awareness, and empower students in a safe, supportive, and motivating environment designed to open doors to endless possibilities.
The ETO-Career Early Scholars Program for grades 4 – 8 is based on STEM and project-based learning, focusing on infrastructure, utility and construction, that incorporate entrepreneurship, social emotional growth and development and financial literacy opportunities within the context of each program. ETO is partnering with organizations to deliver content in these critical areas. The partners were identified because of their commitment to ensuring youth from under-resourced families have access to quality programming that ensures equitable access to future economic opportunities.
ETO CRESP Utility and Construction Pathway Program
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) in partnership with University of the District of Columbia, Workforce Development Lifelong Learning Career Services Division (UDC-WDLL) have collaborated to establish a utility and construction career pathway program that will introduce upper elementary and middle school students (ages 9–13) to construction careers through safe, classroom-based activities that build awareness, foundational skills, and career readiness aligned to the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Career Pathways in Construction program and NCCER standards.
ETO CRESP PARTNERS
ETO CRESP– Bikes and Technology and Bike Safety Program
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) in partnership with DC Bike Academy, has collaborated to establish a bikes and technology program for children and youth in the District of Columbia. The Bikes and Technology Program will introduce CRESP participants to safe biking practices while integrating hands-on technology (e.g., bike mechanics, digital safety apps, GPS navigation), promote health, wellness, and sustainability through cycling as an alternative mode of transportation, connect technology concepts (tracking, sensors, coding basics) with real-world biking applications.
Website: www.dcbikeacademy.org
ETO CRESP Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) in partnership with BlackOak Collective-Green Gateways Program have collaborated to expose CRESP participants to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal), build STEM skills through experiments and model-building around energy system and foster environmental responsibility and future career interest in energy and sustainability.
Website: https://www.blackoakcollective.org/
ETO CRESP Career Readiness Program
ETO CRESP Workforce Readiness and Career Planning Program
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) in partnership with University of the District of Columbia, Workforce Development Lifelong Learning Career Services Division (UDC-WDLL) have collaborated to establish a workforce preparedness and career development training for youth in grades 3-12. UDC-WDLL will administer the longest standing evidence-based Strong Interest Inventory Assessment (SII) to support participants’ development of an occupational self-concept. A key component of the SII allows individuals to identify their work personality by exploring their primary motivations to work across the following six broad categories: realistic, artistic, investigative, social enterprising, and conventional.
ETO CRESP Social Emotional Growth and Development
ETO CRESP Social Emotional Growth and Personal Development
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) in partnership with Lucidity Communication Consultants has collaborated to provide CRESP participants with the following key services:
Strengthening participant’s self-awareness, confidence, and resilience through reflective activities, build social skills including empathy, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, promote personal growth by helping students set goals, celebrate progress, and practice self-regulation, and lastly, provide a safe and supportive environment for students to explore identity and values.
Website: www.lucidityspeaks.net
ETO CRESP Financial Literacy
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) in partnership with Protect Save and Grow have collaborated to provide CRESP participants with the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. Participants will participate in workshops to equip them with foundational money management skills (saving, spending, budgeting, earning), build early awareness of the value of financial decision-making and entrepreneurship, connect math concepts with real-world applications in personal finance.
Website: https://protectsaveandgrow.com/
ETO CRESP Mindful Meditation and Breathwork
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) in partnership with Tierra Briscoe Yoga & Wellness have collaborated to provide CRESP Participants with an introduction to mindfulness practices that support focus, relaxation, and stress management, teach age-appropriate breathing techniques to improve emotional regulation and classroom readiness, build daily habits that promote mental wellness, resilience, and healthy coping strategies, and create a calm, supportive environment that students can replicate at home and in school.
Website: https://yogitb.co/
ETO CRESP PROGRAM BONUSES
$125.00 Gift Cards for perfect weekly attendance
Weekly Field Trips
Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
To enroll in the ETO Career Ready Early Scholars Program, click the link here
Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (Ages 20 – 24).
Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP)
Position Title: ETO CRESP Student Program Assistant
Program: ETO Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP)
Reports To: ETO CRESP Site Coordinator / Supervisor
Work Location: Cesar Chavez Public Charter School
3701 Hayes Street, NE, Washington, DC
Program Overview
The Excellence Through Opportunity (ETO) Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) is a dynamic, six-week summer enrichment initiative serving youth ages 9–13. The program integrates STEM education with hands-on, project-based learning across multiple pathways, including bikes and technology, workforce readiness, utilities and construction, financial literacy, renewable energy, social-emotional learning, and mindfulness. Scholars also participate in engaging field trips and an inspiring speaker series featuring professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. CRESP is designed to build confidence, expand career awareness, and empower students in a safe, supportive, and motivating environment.
Position Summary
The ETO CRESP Student Program Assistant provides on-site administrative and programmatic support to ensure the effective daily operation of the CRESP summer program. This role supports program staff, assists with student supervision, maintains accurate records, and contributes to a positive, organized, and engaging learning environment for participating youth. This position is funded through the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP).
To apply for the ETO CRESP Student Program Assistant, click the link https://forms.gle/cMEFTxE8uCREE2hp8
Our Partners
University of the District of Columbia – Workforce Development Lifelong Learning Program
The mission of the UDC-CC Division of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning (WDLL) is to reduce unemployment and underemployment in the District of Columbia by enhancing the skills of its residents. The program provides training to DC residents aimed at helping them earn jobs, get promoted, and train for careers in new industries.
DC Bike Academy
DC Bike Academy is a Youth-Centered, Community Based, Full-Service Bicycle Shop, that helps young people discover the Power and Potential to transform themselves and their communities through the magic of bikes
Lucidity Communication Consultants
The name Lucidity itself refers to being clearly understood. Lucidity coaches individuals and trains executives, leaders, and employees to communicate with clarity to internal and external customers.
Black Oak Collective
BlackOak combines the power of networking with digital engagement to create a safe space for Black environmental career development, support, and community. Our organization welcomes all Black people working towards a better environmental future.
Protect, Save and Grow
Protect Save and Grow Financial Group is an independent financial services firm, specializing in helping individuals and families prepare for, plan, and live in retirement. Our approach focuses on tailored retirement planning strategies and insurance solutions to provide our clients with guaranteed lifetime income, asset protection, and achieve tax efficiencies in support of a holistic approach to their finances.
Cesar Chavez Public Charter School’s
Mission is to prepare students to succeed in competitive colleges and to empower them to use public policy to create a more just, free, and equal world. Website: https://www.chavezschools.org/
Tierra Briscoe Yoga and Wellness
Tierra “YogiTB” Briscoe is a native of PG County, MD, who has traded in her handcuffs for yoga mats. With over 16 years of experience practicing yoga and 7 years of teaching, she’s a certified expert in creating safe and inclusive spaces for her students to explore their practice. She is an experienced 200-hour certified yoga instructor specializing in sport, trauma-focused, and prison yoga.
YogiTB’s passion for yoga goes beyond the physical. She’s a mindfulness coach, healer, and advocate who believes that yoga is a powerful tool for transformation. She has facilitated multiple community activations in Washington, DC as an original wellness instructor with FITDC. She’s been featured in VOGUE magazine, shared her insights on BRAVO TV’s Real Housewives of Potomac, and consulted on Fox5DC multiple times.
As the owner of Sol Full, leader of Sol RESET retreats, creator of Off the MAT community for yoga and wellness instructors, and co-creator of UrbanxSol retreats, YogiTB is building a community of wellness warriors. She’s also a sought-after speaker and workshop leader, and she’s always up for a challenge, whether it’s leading retreats around the world or working with underserved communities. She is passionate about mentoring and helping her students find their path to wellness, whether it’s through yoga, mindfulness, or simply living a more balanced life.
Our Funders
Career Ready Early Scholars Program Funders
DC Department of Employment Services – Office of Youth Programs
Contact Us
To Register your scholar for the ETO CRESP Program, your child must be enrolled and confirmed by DC Office of Youth CRESP Program. Once confirmed and selected for ETO CRESP , please register by clicking the following Parent/Guardian Registration link: