A stronger sense of direction.
A future to own.
Mentorship. Academic support. Life skills. Leadership.
Helping DC middle school students build confidence, accountability, and the skills to take ownership of their futures.
Our Mission
WayFinder Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping DC middle school students build accountability, confidence, resilience, and the skills to take greater ownership of their futures.
We bring together veteran mentorship, caregiver engagement, practical challenges, community service, and partner-delivered tutoring. This consistent layer of support complements existing school services and helps students prepare for high school.
Our Approach
Consistent mentorship. Regular check-ins and small-group activities build trusted relationships, accountability, and confidence.
Academic support. Established tutoring partners provide assessment, instruction, and progress reporting through their own academic model.
Learning by doing. Practical challenges, community service, and leadership opportunities turn responsibility into everyday experience.
Our Values
Discipline
Accountability
Self-Determination
Composure
Courage
Confidence
Help Launch Our 2027 Pilot.
We’re seeking school and tutoring partners to help launch our 2027 pilot.
Who the Pilot Will Serve
Primarily boys in grades 6–8 who have an engaged caregiver and would benefit from consistent mentorship.
Our goal is sustained participation through middle school graduation, helping students prepare for high school.
No Cost to Families
Our goal is to offer the program at no cost to participating families, supported by donations and partnerships.
A Consistent Rhythm
- Every Week
- At least one WayFinder Initiative engagement.
- Each Month
- Two in-person and two virtual engagements.
- Academic Support
- Preferred model: at least two in-person tutoring sessions per week, delivered by our tutoring partner.
Launch is planned for 2027, pending finalized partnerships, funding, program readiness, and DCPS School Program Provider approval.
Responsibilities
WayFinder Initiative
Provide screened and trained veteran mentors, lead the program and enrichment activities, engage caregivers, track student attendance and progress, and coordinate partners and student follow-up.
Ask about mentoringDC Middle School Partner
Help identify ideal candidate students, designate a staff liaison, coordinate appropriate information sharing with caregiver consent, and provide space when available.
Discuss a school partnershipTutoring Partner
Provide academic assessment, curriculum, qualified tutors, instruction, and progress reporting.
Discuss a tutoring partnershipA PATH TO GREATER OWNERSHIP
Small Steps. Lasting Responsibility.
Five developmental components connect personal growth with teamwork, leadership, and a final WayFinder Capstone.
- Accountability
- Ownership
- Brotherhood & Teamwork
- Leadership
- WayFinder Capstone
FOR FAMILIES & PARTNERS
A Few Things to Know.
Is student enrollment open?
Not yet. Our proposed 2027 pilot will recruit students exclusively from one DC middle school that partners with WayFinder Initiative. We are still identifying that school, so enrollment is not currently open.
If you would like your student's school to participate, please speak with its administration and encourage them to contact us about becoming our school partner. Once a partnership is established, recruitment and referrals will be coordinated through that school.
Does a student need certain grades to participate?
No minimum grades or academic achievement are required for admission. Once enrolled, however, students are expected to take their academic responsibilities seriously.
To remain in the program, every participant must attend partner-provided tutoring, complete all school and tutoring assignments, and demonstrate consistent effort. WayFinder Initiative and our partners will support students as they build the habits and accountability needed to meet these expectations.
How are caregivers involved?
Every student admitted to the program must have an engaged caregiver who actively supports their participation throughout their time in the program. WayFinder Initiative will provide monthly progress reports; caregivers are expected to review them and reinforce program expectations at home.
How will you track progress?
WayFinder Initiative plans to track participation, developmental milestones, tutoring engagement, and WayFinder Capstone progress. Monthly partner touchpoints will review progress and emerging concerns.
Why veterans—and is this a path into the military?
We look to veterans for the experience they can bring in teamwork, accountability, leadership, service, and overcoming challenges. Our goal is to help them translate those experiences into consistent, supportive relationships with young people.
WayFinder Initiative is not a military recruiting program or a feeder into the armed forces. Students are not expected or encouraged to enlist as a condition or goal of participation. We help students build confidence, life skills, and the ability to make informed choices about their own futures.
Military service alone does not qualify someone to mentor young people. Mentors must also meet our assessment, selection, and training requirements.
Can I volunteer as a mentor?
We are looking for veterans who have served with honor and want to make a consistent commitment to young people. Applicants will need appropriate documentation demonstrating their honorable service.
We expect to begin mentor recruitment soon, once our school and tutoring partners are identified and program arrangements are further developed. Veterans selected for the program will be screened and trained in child safety and youth development before working with students.
Contact us now to express interest and receive information when recruitment begins. For other volunteer opportunities, see “How can I support WayFinder Initiative?” below.
How can I support WayFinder Initiative?
You can contribute time, services, or funds. Financial donations help us prepare the pilot and build the mentorship, practical learning experiences, and academic partnerships described on this page. Use the donation form below to contribute.
We will announce specific service needs and volunteer opportunities as we finalize the program. You do not have to be a veteran or serve as a mentor to help: non-veterans can apply for volunteer roles that support the program as those opportunities open.
Veterans interested in mentoring should review the mentor FAQ above. Everyone interested in contributing time, professional services, or other program support is welcome to contact us now to express interest.
Help Make the Next Step Possible.
Your support helps WayFinder Initiative build consistent mentorship, practical learning experiences, and academic partnerships for DC youth.
Help us prepare for our proposed 2027 pilot and work toward a program that families can access at no cost.
WayFinder Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible.
