District of Columbia

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University has maintained a close relationship with the nation's capital for more than two centuries, providing services, opportunities, leadership and resources to District neighborhoods, businesses and government. The university takes seriously its role to contribute in a variety of ways to bettering the educational opportunities and economic, cultural and social fabric of Washington, D.C. Learn more about the ways Georgetown University contributes to the Washington, DC community. Against the backdrop of its broad engagement in the District, the University has a commitment to contribute in particular to the enhancement of education in Ward 7.

Ward 7 Initiative

Georgetown University’s Ward 7 Initiative connects Georgetown University with the District of Columbia's Ward 7 community in support of the students, families, and schools. The Initiative coordinates the University’s longstanding commitment to service and outreach to the local community. This approach encourages a formalized partnership with DC Public Schools (DCPS) and other community organizations to align Georgetown University’s efforts to respond to demonstrated community needs.

Summary

The university-wide Ward 7 Initiative focuses on strengthening partnerships with Ward 7 schools, community organizations, and other partners to build a broad network of support for Ward 7 students and families. University support comes through staff and student-run literacy, awareness, and academic support programs, as well as faculty and course initiatives, research, and additional infrastructural support for community outreach across three university D.C. campuses: Main Campus, Medical Center, and Law Center. The Initiative includes Georgetown programs and resources, as well as a university-wide effort to direct additional resources, expertise, and service into partner schools. Partnerships include, but are not limited to:

  • Early childhood literacy and parent support programs
  • Adolescent literacy programs
  • Pre-college awareness and academic preparation
  • Dual enrollment
  • University-School partnerships through course initiatives and academic support programs
Partners

The Ward 7 Initiative seeks to align with current city-wide efforts toward educational reform and improvement of student outcomes. Georgetown works collaboratively with the Mayor’s Office, the Chancellor of DC Public Schools, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, the Double the Numbers Initiative, foundations, business partners, and local community organizations to provide support to this initiative.

Current Programs
As a higher education partner to Ward 7 schools, Georgetown provides a variety of resources to create a more comprehensive approach to enhance DCPS outreach. Current programs include: Meyers Institute for College Preparation, Kids 2 College, D.C. Street Law High School Clinic, Parent Child Home Program, Jumpstart, DC Reads, After School Kids (ASK), Aza Sisters, President’s DC Scholarship, Community Scholars, Community Based Learning (CBL) and many others.

For more information about the Ward 7 Initiative please contact Danielle Smith, Project Coordinator for DC Education Initiatives.