News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
A nationally recognized model for preparing students for college, careers, and beyond
What if high school students could graduate not only with a diploma, but also with college credits, industry certifications, real-world experience, and a clear pathway into a high-demand career?
In Washington, DC, that vision is becoming reality. Earlier this year, the XQ Institute recognized the District as a national leader in preparing students for success after graduation, highlighting its innovative approach to connecting education with college and career opportunities. The recognition shines a spotlight on transformative programs across the city, including the Advanced Technical Center (ATC) at Penn Center, where students are gaining hands-on experience in some of today’s fastest-growing industries.
Administered by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), the Advanced Technical Center serves high school students from across the District, providing specialized training in Health Care Sciences and Cybersecurity.
The program goes far beyond traditional coursework. Students have the opportunity to earn college credits, pursue industry-recognized certifications, and develop practical skills that prepare them for both higher education and the workforce.
The results are already remarkable. The first graduating cohort completed the program having earned a combined 1,169 college credits—representing more than $882,000 in potential tuition savings. Those credits reflect more than academic achievement. They represent accelerated pathways toward careers, degrees, and economic opportunity.
Students and families are taking notice. In just one year, enrollment at the ATC nearly doubled, growing from 96 students representing eight schools during the 2022–23 school year to 191 students from 15 schools in 2023–24. That rapid growth speaks to the demand for educational experiences that connect learning directly to future opportunities.
The District’s investment in career-connected education is creating what Mayor Muriel Bowser recently described in a LinkedIn post celebrating the XQ recognition as “real pathways to real opportunity.” Whether pursuing healthcare careers, cybersecurity professions, apprenticeships, or postsecondary education, students are gaining experiences that position them for long-term success.
The success of the program is driving its next chapter. Phase 2 of the Advanced Technical Center project will build upon the foundation established during the initial phase, renovating approximately 20,000 square feet of additional space within Penn Center to support growing enrollment and expanded programming.
Among the most exciting additions are two community clinics that will provide students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings while serving the broader community.
The expansion reflects a broader commitment to experiential learning, helping students apply classroom knowledge in authentic environments while developing the skills employers increasingly seek in today’s workforce.
The XQ Institute’s recognition of Washington, DC reflects a larger shift taking place across the country: a growing understanding that preparing students for success requires more than traditional academic instruction alone. It requires creating environments where students can explore career pathways, earn meaningful credentials, gain practical experience, and develop confidence in their future.
The Advanced Technical Center at Penn Center demonstrates what is possible when educators, public leaders, and community partners work together around a shared vision. The result is more than an innovative program; it’s a model for how education can better connect students to the opportunities that await them after graduation.
As the District continues investing in innovative educational experiences, the ATC stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and career-connected learning can expand opportunity, accelerate achievement, and help students build futures filled with possibility.
B&D is proud to support this work as project manager for the ATC at Penn Center and to continue assisting with the next phase of this innovative initiative. The program’s success—and the District’s national recognition—demonstrate the transformative impact that can be achieved when educational vision, public investment, and community needs align around student success.
