FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Issued By:
Vincent B. Orange, Jr.
Chairman, Orange for Mayor Campaign
202-409-2147
vboj02@gmail.com
Orange for Mayor Campaign Highlights Vincent B. Orange, Sr.’s Proven Youth Apprenticeship Record and Commitment to Citywide Expansion
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vincent B. Orange, Jr., Chairman of the Orange for Mayor Campaign, today issued the following statement highlighting the long-standing leadership, authorship, and proven results of Vincent B. Orange, Sr., candidate for Mayor of the District of Columbia, in advancing youth apprenticeship and workforce development initiatives.
“In 2016, Vincent B. Orange, Sr. authored the legislation creating D.C.’s Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee because he understood early on that earn-while-you-learn pathways are essential to building a strong and inclusive workforce,” said Orange, Jr. “In 2023, he returned to city government to ensure the Youth Apprenticeship Program moved from policy to practice.”
During the spring of 2025, 44 D.C. public and charter high school seniors completed a paid 200-hour Youth Apprenticeship Program, earning industry-recognized credentials. Of those participants, 22 students were offered full-time apprenticeships at Howard University Hospital or the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan.
The program also expanded into high-growth sectors. The District launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Youth Apprenticeship Program in partnership with BuildWithin, serving seven high school seniors, and a skilled-trades and technology apprenticeship program with MC Dean, Inc., serving five high school seniors.
William Dean, MC Dean, Inc., serves as Chairman of the Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee.
“These programs show what effective workforce development looks like—students are paid, trained, credentialed, and placed into real jobs with real futures,” Orange, Jr. added. “This is leadership that delivers outcomes, not just announcements.”
As stated in his mayoral campaign announcement, Vincent B. Orange, Sr. has committed that, if elected Mayor, every D.C. government agency—and participating nongovernmental partner—will be required to establish youth apprenticeship programs, with implementation commencing no later than February 15, 2027.