JumpStart

A SchoolTalk JumpStart participant inventories program tablets as part of their summer work experience.

SchoolTalk’s JumpStart is a summer youth employment program for D.C. youth designed to provide individualized supports and skill-building opportunities to successfully complete and learn from their Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) worksite placement experience.

Read our JumpStart FAQs for Youth and Families!

Logo - JumpStartJumpStart Program Eligibility

  • Completed MBSYEP application by March 6, 2026;
  • Have an IEP or 504 AND are RSA Pre-ETS eligible by March 23, 2026;
  • Completed a JumpStart application by March 23, 2026;
  • Be on the IEP certificate track;
  • Enrolled in high school through June 2026; AND
  • Benefit from and interested in MBSYEP preparation and support.

JumpStart Application

The JumpStart 2026 application will close on March 23, 2026.

JumpStart Information Session

There will be two opportunities for youth and families to learn about JumpStart (RSVP for one of the sessions):

  • Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Where: D.C. Department on Disability Services, 250 E St. SW, Washington, DC 20024

RSVP for an information session.

Questions

Email jumpstart@schooltalkdc.org.