Executive Message
First, we would like to thank all of the organizations, corporations, community groups, parents, participants, and so many others who have supported and guided our efforts in the National Capital Region over the past several years. As we look to the future, there is an increasingly larger impact that Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region and its affiliates plan to have on the surrounding communities. It was not that long ago when we began with three staff providing educational programs for just over 1,000 youth. Now, we have grown to over 30 employees, who will reach more than 10,000 youth and adults each year in a variety of educational and workforce development programs.

The creation of Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region (LC-NCR) is based upon the long term success of the Living Classrooms Foundation based in Baltimore, Maryland. This success can be found in the connection that each program makes with the Foundation's mission. One idea that continues to permeate all of the Foundation's efforts is "you can make a difference." This notion is at the core of our conviction, our mission, and our hope. This belief that one can make a difference, coupled with genuine concern for our youth and community, has driven and proven the mission of this Foundation. It is what brings our staff and volunteers to work each day. It is what inspires us to invest in our youth and the future, while highlighting our community and its history. Most importantly, it is the message we strive to teach and instill in our youth every day - that they too can make a difference.

It is our plan to continue to grow the offerings to the community in an effort to provide the services that our families need as they strive to beat the odds against them. Poverty, lack of family and social support, failure in school, not fitting in, or past criminal involvement has lead many of our youth to give up. As a result of these negative experiences, it is often the lack of confidence alone that keeps one from moving forward. Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region's programs aid individuals in the journey to beat these odds by helping them to build educational, workplace, and social skills.

These programs would not be successful without the support and assistance of the community, local governments, and our many supporters. One such group is the local board of LC-NCR. This group is comprised of local business leaders and youth advocates who work tirelessly to connect programs and people. Due to this team's generosity, the youth and adults in our programs are able to move forward towards a self-sustaining lifestyle.

Throughout this web site, you will read about the success of our education and job-training programs, and learn about how you can get involved. Thanks to your support, Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region is able to have a powerful impact in the lives of our youth and be a positive force in the community.