January 26, 2024
Dear Washingtonians,
On Monday, we launched applications for the 2024 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. For 45 years, MBSYEP has been providing a fair shot to thousands of young people in DC. There is just no other program in the nation like it.
 The day before he was nominated for an Oscar, we heard from Jeffrey Wright about how the Summer Youth Employment Program opened up new possibilities for him.
A testament to the longevity of MBSYEP, after we heard about Jeffrey's experience in 1982, we also heard from Mychael, a current senior at School Without Walls and a talented young Washingtonian, about his more recent experience. Mychael is a participant in Young Doctors DC, which has been an important MBSYEP partner for the past ten years.
 Both Jeffrey and Mychael's stories underscore what the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program is all about: it is a collection of great programs and employers who raise their hand and say I'm committed to having an enriching experience for young people, where I'm teaching them something in particular, but I'm also teaching them how to work, I'm teaching them how to dream, and I'm exposing them to different occupations.
Applications are now open for young people between the ages of 14 and 24 at summerjobs.dc.gov.
Sincerely,
 View photos from this week on Facebook.
 Check out the following events in Downtown DC to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year.
Walk with Mayor Bowser in the 2024 Lunar New Year Parade: Walk with Mayor Bowser in the Lunar New Year Parade and usher in the Year of the Dragon. This year’s parade will feature a ceremony with traditional performances and a firecracker finale.
- When: Sunday, February 11, Line-up for parade at 1:00 p.m., kickoff at 2:00 p.m.
- Where: 6th Street NW & I Street NW
- RSVP to walk in the parade HERE.
Lunar New Year Family Festival at the National Museum of Asian Art: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the National Museum of Asian Art with free attractions for all ages, including performances, chef talks, food vendors, crafts and coloring, storytelling and book signings, tours, and more.
- When: Saturday, February 3 @ 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Where: National Museum of Asian Art (1050 Independence Avenue SW)
- RSVP to attend the event HERE.
Lunar New Year Festival with the DAR: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Daughters of the American Revolution with a family-friendly event that will include games, food, and performances.
- When: Saturday, February 17 @ 10:00 a.m.
- Where: 1776 D Street NW
- RSVP to attend the event HERE.
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 The My School DC common application and lottery is now open, and the deadline to apply for high schools for the upcoming 2024-25 school year is less than a week away.
My School DC is a random lottery and there is no advantage to applying first; however, applicants must apply by the application deadlines:
- February 1, 2024 for grades 9-12
- March 1, 2024 for PK3-grade 8
To learn more and apply, visit myschooldc.org. For any questions regarding the My School DC process, families can contact the My School DC hotline at (202) 888-6336 or email info.myschooldc@dc.gov.
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 Mayor Bowser and DC Health Link are reminding residents that there is less than a week left to sign up for high-quality, affordable health insurance through DCHealthLink.com, the District’s online state-based health insurance marketplace. Open Enrollment for DC individuals and families is now open and runs through Wednesday, January 31.
DC Residents can visit DCHealthLink.com to shop, save and compare plans, and get covered today.
There are also a number of free, in-person enrollment events where residents can get help enrolling in health plans before the January 31 deadline. View a list of events and learn more about enrolling in health plans before the deadline HERE.
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 Ahead of the 2024 tax season, Mayor Bowser shared resources and credits available to residents that can help put money back in your pockets. Tax season begins Monday, January 29, and ends Monday, April 15.
Resources available to Washingtonians to help make the most of tax returns include:
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The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (Federal EITC): typically for individuals and families who make less than $63,398. Residents can get back anywhere between $560-$7,000 on taxes. Learn more: gov/eitc.
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The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): gives individuals and families 70% of their federal EITC amount for tax year 2023. Learn more: dc.gov/eitc.
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DC’s Keep Child Care Affordable Tax Credit: typically available to taxpayers based on amount of eligible child care expenses paid by tax payer per child. Learn more: dc.gov.
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The Senior Citizen/Disabled Property Tax Relief program: when a property owner turns 65 years old or older or when they are disabled, they can file for disabled or senior citizen property tax relief. Learn more: dc.gov.
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Free tax preparation services: Free tax clinics are offered through DISB for all residents. dc.gov/freetaxprepresources.
Learn more at disb.dc.gov/eitc.
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