Welcome to Our Comprehensive Career and Technical Education Program

In today’s dynamic world, where the landscape of careers continuously evolves, our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program stands as a guiding light for students eager to dive into the realms of Hospitality, Tourism, Business Management, and Entrepreneurship.

The curriculum we have crafted merges theoretical knowledge with practical application and a rich tapestry of partnerships spanning local and international spectrums. We aim not only to educate, but also to empower our students to carve their paths in their chosen industries. We invite you to explore the depth and breadth of our program and find where your passion meets your career aspirations.

A Closer Look: Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT) & Academy of Business Management and Entrepreneurship (ABME)

Strengthening Foundations with Local Partnerships

MAPCS Career Academy prides itself on a partnership network that brings real-world experiences into the classroom and students into the professional world via work site tours, job shadowing, and high-level internships. These collaborations give our students unique insights into the hospitality and business sectors through practical experiences and mentoring opportunities. Our esteemed local and national partners include:

NAF: Leveraging a nationwide network to support educational programs designed to build future-ready skills.
Urban Land Institute Washington/The Women’s Leadership Initiative: Empowering students with leadership skills and knowledge in urban development and hospitality.
Prestigious Hospitality Brands: Offering students a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of world-class hospitality establishments including the Thompson Hotel, Pendry Hotel, The Moxy Hotel, Marriott International, and Donohoe Hospitality.
Destination DC and The American Experience Foundation: Providing a local perspective on destination management and the importance of tourism in the economy.
Knead Hospitality: Delving into the culinary arts and restaurant management with hands-on experiences.
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington (JA): Engaging in a pilot program to implement the first in-school JA program. JA is typically a 13-week after-school curriculum. MAPCS Business Academy will be the first to integrate it into the CTE classroomenvironment.

Expanding Horizons with International Partnerships

To ensure our students gain a global perspective, we also partner with international organizations and businesses, including:

Beachcombers Hotel St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, Hairouna UUber Investments: These partnerships allow students to explore hospitality in different cultural contexts and to understand the global impact of tourism and conservation efforts.

Enhanced Curriculum Offering

We have designed our curriculum to provide a comprehensive educational experience with a focus on real-world applicability:

OSSE Sponsored Programs
High-level internship opportunities include the Advanced Internship Program (October through May) and Career Readiness Internships (Summer).
Advance Technical Center offers dual enrollment and certification opportunities for CTE.
Core Courses
Offering a deep dive into the Principles of Hospitality and Tourism, Travel and Tourism Management, Principles of Business, Marketing, Finance, Hotel Management, and Entrepreneurship.

CAREER PATHWAYS UNVEILED

Graduates of our program are well-equipped for a wide range of careers, reflecting the diverse nature of the hospitality and business industries:

From Hotel Management to IT, Arts and Culture to Real Estate, and Restaurants and Food Service to Sports and Entertainment.
Careers in Transportation, Accounting and Marketing, Nursing and Engineering, and Architecture are also within reach, showcasing the program’s versatility.

PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS AND SUPPORT

We offer a comprehensive support system and enhancements to ensure our students are well-prepared for their academic and professional futures:

Interactive Coursework: Engaging and challenging material prepares students for the complexities of their future careers.
Global Learning Opportunities: With field trips and work-based learning experiences nationally and internationally.
Dedicated Support Services: Academic support, college application assistance, resume and job preparation support.
Exclusive Opportunities: High-level internships and college tours offer glimpses into the professional world and higher education landscapes.

WORK-BASED LEARNING EXPLAINED

Work-based learning is at the core of our curriculum, a method that blends classroom theory with practical, hands-on experience. Taking this approach helps prepare students for the realities of their future careers, providing them with valuable insights, skills, and direct industry engagement.

Connect With Us

For more information about our CTE program and to explore how we can support your educational journey, please contact:

Akoshia Yoba, CTE Director: ayoba@seeforever.org
Leroy Nickie, CTE Manager: lnickie@seeforever.org
Tanisha Brown, CTE Program Associate: tbrown@seeforever.org

Embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and success with us. We have meticulously designed our program to open new doors to your future, arming you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences you need to achieve your dreams and make a lasting impact in the world of Hospitality, Tourism, and Entrepreneurship & Business.

Young Adult Learning Center Enrollment (17+)

The Young Adult Learning Center is a free program based in Washington DC’s Ward 7, offering a GED and vocational certificate program for young adults 18 and over.

The Maya Angelou Schools build a vital multi-campus community of future DC-based high school and GED graduates by recognizing that learning is for all students, of all abilities, at all ages, in all stages. We believe that with above and beyond wraparound services and student support, coupled with high expectations all of our students, regardless of background, can succeed at college, career and beyond.

More About Our Programs

IT Tech Accelerator

Students undertaking our intensive four-month course in Digital Marketing, Help Desk, and Operations delve deep into these dynamic fields, acquiring vital skills and knowledge relevant to today’s tech-driven business landscape.

In the Digital Marketing segment, students explore integral concepts such as SEO, social media marketing, content creation, and data analytics, equipping themselves to navigate and thrive in the digital marketplace.

As students transition into the Help Desk module, they gain hands-on experience with widely used customer service platforms like Jira and Confluence. This experience enables them to develop strong troubleshooting skills and understand the intricacies of ticketing systems.

In the Operations module, students focus on mastering key productivity tools including Excel and Google Sheets, essentials in project management, operational efficiency, and data analysis.

Besides theoretical instruction, our curriculum strongly emphasizes practical application. This approach enables students to obtain widely recognized certifications in high-demand systems and technologies.

Upon completing this comprehensive course, students will be well-versed in digital marketing, help desk support, and operations management, and poised to make an immediate impact in any business setting.

The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, class discussions, group activities, and guest speakers from the industry. Students will have opportunities to apply their knowledge through individual assignments and presentations. The class will encourage active participation and provide a platform for sharing experiences and insights.
Cosmetology Program Overview

The General Cosmetology Course at the Maya Angelou Young Adult Learning Center is a comprehensive 1,500-clock-hour program designed to provide instruction in a wide range of cosmetology skills and techniques.

Students will learn about sanitation and sterilization, decontamination, and infection control practices, as well as hair cutting, coloring, perms, and other chemical services. The curriculum also covers hair styling techniques and other occupational requirements such as manicures, pedicures, and facials. YALC’s General Cosmetology Curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology, preparing students for a cosmetology operator’s license.

Once the student has completed the program and passed the DC State Board of Cosmetology examination for licensure, he/she will be qualified to obtain employment as a Cosmetologist, Hairstylist/Hairdresser, Manager Stylist, or Nail Technician (SOC Code 39-5012.00, 39-5091.00, 39-5092.00). Individuals who obtain a license can provide a variety of beauty services such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, styling hair, applying makeup, dressing wigs, performing hair removal, as well as providing nail and skin care services.
Barbering Program

The Barbering Styling Course is a 1,500-clock-hour program of study, which will include instruction on sanitation, sterilization, and safe work practices; implements, tools and equipment common to the barber profession; facial massage and treatment; shaving; haircutting and styling; mustache and beard design; hair coloring and chemical services; and other occupational requirements. YALC Barber-Styling curriculum conforms to the requirements of the District of Columbia State Board of Barber and Cosmetology, and is designed to prepare students for a Barber license and profitable employment upon graduation. The curriculum also incorporates field trips and participation.

Once the student has completed the program and passed the DC State Board of Barber examination or licensure, he/she will be qualified to obtain employment as a Barber in a barber shop, as well as other opportunities (SOC Code 39-5011.00).
Makeup Courses

The Makeup 101 Course is a certificate program that does not require students to take a State exam upon completion. This 50-clock-hour program is designed to introduce students to the art of makeup application and provide them with a basic understanding of foundational skills. Upon completion of the program, students will be qualified to pursue entry-level positions at department store beauty counters, salons, or as independent contractors.

Throughout the program, students will receive instruction and training in various aspects of makeup application, including skin care, client consultation, eye color, foundation blending, and full-face application. Additionally, the curriculum covers topics related to the business of makeup.
Nail Technology

The Nail Technology Course is a 350-clock-hour program of study, which will include the art and science of nails–hands and feet–and the necessary skills and knowledge to become a licensed manicurist. Training includes hand, arm, and leg massage techniques; disease detection and sanitation methods; safety precautions; and artificial nail enhancement services.

Apply Today – limited seats available!

Young Adult Learning Center (YALC) enrollment first steps:

Find out more about the Young Adult Learning Center (ages 17+) on DC School Report Card.
Apply online using YALC online form (PowerSchool Enrollment Express)