Who
Young adults ages 18–26 connected to Southwest.
A paid youth internship and mentorship program rooted in Southwest DC.
NextGen SW
Why NextGen SW?
Southwest has talent. Southwest has wisdom.
We need pathways to connect them.
- Young adults need access to real opportunity, income, and experience.
- Local organizations need capacity, continuity, and fresh energy.
- Our neighborhood benefits from stronger bridges across generations.
Why now?
We are building for 2026 and beyond — adapting a proven youth employment legacy for today's economy.
- Entry-level experience is harder to access.
- The economy is more precarious.
- AI and virtual work environments are reshaping work readiness.
- Volunteering is no longer a realistic on-ramp for many young adults.
A pathway, not a replacement
NextGen SW fills the next gap in Southwest's existing youth support ecosystem.
- 1
Local schools
Foundation of learning and community.
- 2
SWNA YATF & youth-serving organizations
Activities, mentorship, and engagement.
- 3
SWNA Scholarship & Education Task Force
Support for college and beyond.
- 4
NextGen SW
The education-to-career bridge.
Rooted in Legacy.
Built for 2026.
Our Foundation
NextGen SW builds on generations of youth development leadership through SWNA's Youth Activities Task Force. Leaders like Thelma D. Jones and Rhonda Hamilton carry this legacy forward while shaping a new model for 2026 and beyond.
How it works
What
Paid internship at $20/hour, approximately 5 hours/week.
When
September 2026 – June 2027.
How
Weekly cohort meetings, mentorship, and flexible work.
Support
Laptops, training, and partner guidance.
Final Project
Innovation and intergenerational connection in Southwest.
Program timeline
-
May'26
Application opens
Young adults connected to Southwest can apply or be referred.
May 2026 -
Jul'26
Interviews and matching
Cohort selection and pairing with mentors and partner organizations.
June – July -
Sep'26
Orientation and training
Cohort kickoff, onboarding, laptops and tools, weekly meetings begin.
September 2026 -
Oct'26
Internship period
Five hours/week paid work, mentorship, and cohort learning across the year.
Oct 2026 – June 2027 -
Jun'27
Final project presentations and reflection
Interns share innovation projects with the Southwest community.
Spring – Summer 2027
What we all gain
Interns gain
Paid experience, mentorship, resume-building projects, references, career exposure, belonging.
Partners gain
Capacity, fresh energy, structured support, and a chance to shape the next generation.
Southwest gains
Stronger relationships, resilient organizations, and future leaders rooted in community.
Team
Thelma D. Jones
SWNA Youth Activities Task Force
Rhonda Hamilton
Community Leader, Southwest DC
Ava Millstone
Program Development
Monique Sledjeski
Program Development
This is a launch, not a finished product.
We are building this with the community.
We know
- The mission
- The need
- The leadership
- The core structure
- The selection process
We are still building
- Partner organizations
- Mentorship model
- Funding mix
- Training curriculum
$0
One intern · one full year
5hours / week
$20per hour
Mentorship
Training & tools
Laptops
Final community project
or sustain the program
$300 / month
Three ways to help
Help fund the program
Sponsor one intern for $3,600, give at any level, or connect us to funders and grant opportunities.
Donate / SponsorBecome a partner or mentor
Mentor an intern, assign meaningful projects, explore shared-cost support, or connect us to other organizations.
Partner Interest SurveyHelp recruit young people
Help us reach SWNA Scholarship recipients and young adults connected to Southwest.