ONSE Promotes 18th Cohort of Its Pathways Program

A fresh start for 25 young men embarking on a journey of safety and transformation

(Washington, DC) - Today, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) celebrated the graduation of 25 Pathways Program Ambassadors with a ceremony at The Howard Theatre in Ward 1.

The Pathways Program is a transformative mentoring, employment, and training opportunity for young men between the ages of 18 and 35 who are at risk of participating in and/or becoming victims of violent crime.

The program infuses a nonclinical cognitive behavioral transformation (CBT) approach that helps reduce incidents of recidivism.

The graduates of the 18th cohort represent the continued success of the ONSE in providing vital resources and opportunities to young men in the District. Since its inception in 2018, Pathways has positively impacted the lives of nearly 400 Ambassadors.

"Seeing 25 participants successfully promoted within the ONSE Pathways Program reflects the incredible dedication of these individuals and the impact of our initiatives," said Kwelli Sneed, Executive Director of ONSE. "This milestone not only highlights the potential of our Ambassadors but also reinforces the ONSE commitment to fostering growth, opportunities, and safer neighborhoods."

Pathways is divided into three phases of programming:

• Phase One features 10 weeks of intensive classroom-based life and job skills training.
• Phase Two includes three (3) months of subsidized employment to provide participants with career skills, positive work habits, and an established employment record.
• Phase Three offers long-term retention and support services to help participants transition to stable employment and pursue their professional and personal goals.

The program offers participants a suite of services including nutritional counseling, mental health services, housing assistance referrals, and access to recreation and extracurricular activities. Each cohort has been filled with young men that have been referred by previous successful participants.

Highlights of this graduating class include a boardroom-style meeting with Deputy Mayor of Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah and other city leaders. Ambassadors received certifications in Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA 10), traffic safety flagger, and First Aid / CPR. As they embark on the next phase of their journey, the graduates of Cohort 18 will pursue various trade options, including information technology and welding, to further enhance their skills and increase employability.

The Pathways Program's success relies heavily on solid partnerships with private and public sector employers that provide subsidized work experience opportunities. These experiences allow participants to gain practical skills, build confidence, and develop a strong work ethic under supportive guidance.

The ONSE Pathways Program addresses the needs of young men to develop more effective conflict resolution skills and address the barriers they face in society.

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