Mayor Muriel Bowser opened the new DC Infrastructure Academy at the historic Spingarn High School in Ward 5 this week, expanding a training program that has served more than 6,500 participants since it launched nearly nine years ago.
In her weekly letter to Washingtonians, Bowser said the academy was built on a promise that training would lead to employment. "When we launched the DCIA nearly nine years ago, I told our founding utility partners that I love training programs, I really do—but I hate ones where there are no jobs at the end," she said. "So, I said, this one will be different; if you participate with us and our residents participate and do everything they have to do, there will be a job at the end."
The mayor said more than 5,000 graduates have been successfully matched to employment, and that the DCIA served over 600 participants in the past year alone. "Together, at the DCIA, we are changing that narrative," she said, thanking residents who have already completed training for trusting the process.
The academy will maintain its presence at Shannon Place SE in Ward 8, where IT and cybersecurity training programs will continue. The new location features an automotive lab, new instructional and training rooms, a Pepco training yard, and flexible outdoor work areas, which Bowser said will allow the program to expand opportunities.
Residents seeking in-demand careers in construction, energy, telecommunications, and other critical fields are encouraged to explore opportunities with the DC Infrastructure Academy at dcia.dc.gov.
The newsletter also announced the 6th Annual Kingman Island Friends and Family Day on Saturday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., hosted by the Department of Energy and Environment and community partners. The Department of Parks and Recreation, the FITDC team, and the Howard University Alumni Association will host a 5K run/walk on Friday, October 16 at 8:30 a.m. at the Anacostia Recreation Center.
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District also announced the return of the DowntownDC Holiday Market for its 22nd season, with an extended run from November 13 through December 23. Festivities begin with the market's opening on November 13, followed by CityCenterDC's Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 14 and the Frosted celebration in Franklin Park starting December 5.