JULY 28, 2025
Goodman Philanthropies Awards Grant to CityWorks DC to Expand Modern Youth Apprenticeships
A national proof point for much-needed US apprenticeship reform
Washington, D.C. — Goodman Philanthropies is pleased to announce a new grant to CityWorks DC, a non-profit operating a leading modern youth apprenticeship program called CareerWise DC. CareerWise DC supports high school students in Washington, D.C. and Virginia access meaningful, paid work experiences and career-aligned training. This investment reflects Goodman Philanthropies' commitment to expanding economic mobility and building alternatives to the traditional four-year college pathway.
About CareerWise DC: CareerWise DC is a two- or three-year, earn-and-learn apprenticeship program that prepares high school students for high-wage careers in fields such as information technology, healthcare, finance, and business operations. Since its launch in 2020, the program has grown from 14 apprentices to over 70 current and former apprentices, in partnership with 15 high schools and more than 20 employers—including Amazon, Accenture, and Enlightened, Inc.
Apprentices earn above-minimum wages, complete 2,000 hours of hands-on work, and gain industry-recognized credentials and/or debt-free college credit—all while maintaining the flexibility to pursue either full-time employment or postsecondary education after high school. CareerWise DC is operated by CityWorks DC and is part of the national CareerWise USA network.
Why We Invested: The United States urgently needs more high-quality training pathways that lead to good jobs without requiring a four-year degree. Yet the national apprenticeship system remains underutilized, difficult for employers to navigate, and poorly integrated into the broader education ecosystem.
CareerWise DC offers a powerful, proven alternative to the traditional learn-then-earn college pathway. It builds a diverse local talent pipeline, connects students with meaningful work opportunities, and demonstrates what a modern, scalable U.S. apprenticeship system could look like.
Our Broader Vision: This grant aligns with Goodman Philanthropies' overall strategy to fund innovative wage-building initiatives that create real economic opportunity. We see CareerWise DC as a national proof point for modern apprenticeship in the U.S.—a model that improves equity, builds stronger workforce pipelines, and helps young people earn while they learn.
To learn more about our work and our portfolio of grants, visit www.goodmanphilanthropies.org
