Program Initiatives

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS AND PARTNERS

The Washington DC Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Partnership (WDC STEM) is a coalition of scientists, educators, parents, policy makers, business and community leaders working toward a common goal of improving Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in District of Columbia Public Schools. The Partnership meets monthly at Anne Beers Elementary School and is currently focused on TEAMING Training for teachers, college readiness for students, butterfly migration gardens and assisting Anne Beers personnel with implementation of STEM curriculum.

Washington East Foundation Technical Assistance Program
Washington East Foundation (WEF) is working with small business to help improve the economic strength of Ward 7 neighborhoods. WEF has developed the Small Business Technical Assistance Program to serve eligible, existing enterprises in Ward 7.

Skyland Town Center
Through its Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), East Washington LLC, the Washington East Foundation is a minority partner in the development of the Skyland Town Center along with Marshall Heights Community Development Organization and Harrison Malone Development. The Rappaport Companies and William C. Smith & Co. are the majority partners in the Skyland Development Team. WEF is pleased to work with these professionally and socially responsible developers.

East Washington LLC is engaged in all aspects of the development process. Over the past six years, we have participated in proposals and reviews related to architectural, landscaping and transportation plans, plans to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification requirements, strategies for selecting builders and the shaping of community outreach and engagement strategies and prospective community benefits.

Deanwood Heights Main Streets
The Deanwood Heights Main Streets is a new and emerging organization in far northeast Ward 7 that supports commercial and economic revitalization initiatives targeting small independent businesses located on Sheriff Road, Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue and Division Avenue. DHMS develops programs and services to assist Deanwood business corridors with the retention, expansion and attraction of neighborhood-serving retail stores.

Currently known as Ward 7 Business Partnership, Deanwood Heights Main Streets is an independent non-profit since 2010.

Groundwork Anacostia River DC
One of 20 Groundwork USA pilot communities across the United States, Groundwork Anacostia River DC is a locally organized and controlled not-for-profit, environmental business that provides cost effective project development services focused on improving our communities’ environment, economy and quality of life through local action. For more information about the Groundwork USA Network visit http://www.groundworkusa.org/.

Launched in Ward 7 and focused on the communities that border the Anacostia River and the region of the Anacostia River watershed, Groundwork Anacostia River DC’s objectives are to:

Increase the capacity of communities to improve and care for their local environment.

Reclaim vacant and derelict lands for conservation, recreation and economic development.
Return brownfields to economically productive use while restoring blighted landscapes with healthy environments.

Integrate environmental education and job training into projects it undertakes.
Engage businesses, government, non-profits and communities to work together for sustainable environmental care and enhancement.

Raise the profile of urban environmental improvements as part of a comprehensive approach to smart growth strategies and rejuvenation of inner city communities.

Ensure projects look as good or better in five years as they do on the day of completion.

Past projects have included: real estate classes, a people-mapping project, boat tours of the Anacostia River and a multi-year partnership with the University of the District of Columbia, supporting teachers and parents in environmental education in ten Ward 7 and Ward 8 school communities.