Learn It. Build It.
Put It Into Action.

Help your Middle School student discover their potential, build practical skills, and take action through our community-driven 16-week program.

MIDDLE SCHOOL COHORT PROGRESSION TRACKER

16 Weeks. Two Phases.
One Experience.

A clear, structured path from foundational learning to real-world impact.

PHASE 1

Learn & Build

8 Weeks of immersive skill-building and discovery.

MILESTONE

The Showcase

A mid-point event where youth present their ideas.

PHASE 2

Put It Into Action

8 Weeks of real-world implementation and leadership.

The Progression

From Learning to
Real-World Action

Weeks 1-8

Phase 1: Learn & Build

During the first eight weeks, youth immerse themselves in interactive workshops designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. We focus heavily on practical workforce readiness, moving beyond textbook theory to strategies they can immediately understand and use.

Interactive, hands-on skill-building workshops
Entrepreneurial mindset and financial literacy training
Workforce readiness and professional preparation

Youth participating in an interactive skill-building workshop

WEEK 8 MILESTONE

The Showcase

Before putting their skills into action, youth step forward and share what they’ve built.

THE IDEA

Turn an Idea Into Something Real

THE SHOWCASE

Step Up & Share

Youth present what they’ve developed, explain their thinking, and practice communicating their vision.

Present their idea
Explain their thinking
Practice their pitch

BUILD CONFIDENCE

Share. Learn. Refine.

Youth receive supportive feedback while strengthening the confidence and communication skills needed to take their ideas further.

Build public-speaking confidence
Strengthen communication skills
Receive constructive feedback

LEARN & BUILD
Develop skills and explore ideas.

THE SHOWCASE
Present what you’ve created.

PUT IT INTO ACTION
Apply your skills in the real world.

Young people actively participating in a community advocacy project

Weeks 9-16

Phase 2: Put It Into Action

The second half of the program brings theories into the real world. Young people actively apply what they have learned through community-driven projects, contributing meaningfully while gaining invaluable practical experience and civic advocacy skills.

Direct involvement in community-driven initiatives
Active participation in WDC advocacy campaigns
Practical application of acquired professional skills

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

What Young People
Can Gain

Confidence

Discovering self-worth through hands-on activities that build belief in their own potential.

Communication

Learning to articulate ideas clearly and connect authentically with peers and mentors.

Leadership

Developing the courage to take initiative and guide others with empathy and purpose.

Entrepreneurship

Cultivating a mindset of innovation, problem-solving, and creative enterprise.

Career Awareness

Exploring pathways and understanding the tools needed to navigate future opportunities.

Teamwork

Collaborating effectively within diverse groups to achieve shared goals.

Financial Awareness

Gaining practical understanding of budgeting, value, and resource management.

Real-World Experience

Applying new skills in practical settings that bridge the gap between learning and life.

Is This Right
For Your Youth?

Parent & Guardian Guide

We understand that you want the best for them: a place where they can grow, explore their interests, build independence, and develop practical skills beyond the classroom.

Our cohort combines learning with real-world experiences that give young people opportunities to discover what interests them and put new skills into action.

This program is a fit if they...

Want to Explore
Curious about different careers, interests, and possibilities.

Like Creating & Doing
Enjoy expressing ideas through hands-on projects and activities.

Want to Get Involved
Interested in connecting with others and contributing to their community.

Need Real-World Experience
Would benefit from opportunities to build practical skills outside the classroom.

COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE

A Real-World
Community Enterprise

Sugary Stop is one way youth may put their skills into action during Phase 2. Through WDC's youth social enterprise, participants can gain hands-on experience with entrepreneurship, business operations, customer service, and money management.

Practical entrepreneurship & business operations
Financial literacy & daily money management
Direct customer service & community interaction

Explore Sugary Stop

STAY CONNECTED

Interested in the
Next Cohort?

Join the Youth Interest List to receive future updates, upcoming opportunities, and ways your young people can get involved. It's a low-pressure way to stay connected to what's next.

Parent/Guardian First Name *

Parent/Guardian Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Youth First Name *

School Name *

Youth Current Grade *

ZIP Code *

What is your student most interested in? *

Anything you'd like us to know?

I agree to receive email and phone communications from WDC about youth programs, upcoming cohorts, enrollment, family orientations, and related opportunities.

I would like to receive email updates from WDC about youth programs, upcoming opportunities, events, resources, and other WDC news. You can unsubscribe at any time.

FOR SCHOOLS & ORGANIZATIONS

Create Opportunities With WDC.

Have an opportunity for young people? WDC works with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to connect youth with workshops, career exploration, internships, entrepreneurship, work-based learning, and other real-world experiences.

PARTNER WITH WDC

CLARITY

Your Questions,
Answered

We want you and your youth to feel completely confident. Here are answers to the most common questions families ask about our structure, activities, and enrollment process.

How does the two-phase model work?

Phase 1 focuses on learning and building. During the first 8 weeks, youth explore interests, develop practical skills, and prepare for real-world experiences. In Phase 2, they spend the next 8 weeks putting those skills into action through hands-on projects and community-based opportunities.

What kind of activities will they do?

Activities vary by cohort and may include entrepreneurship, career exploration, financial literacy, communication and leadership activities, community projects, advocacy, and hands-on experiences such as Sugary Stop.

How are families notified of new cohorts?

Upcoming cohorts and youth opportunities are shared through the WDC Youth Interest List. Families who join the list receive updates when new opportunities become available and information about how to participate.

Is prior experience required?

Not at all. Youth do not need previous work, entrepreneurship, or program experience to participate. Our cohorts are designed to help young people explore their interests, develop new skills, and gain experience along the way.

What ages are the Youth Cohorts for?

WDC Youth Cohorts are designed specifically for middle school students. These cohorts give young people a space to explore careers, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership, communication, and hands-on experiences during their middle school years.