As “Teen Takeovers” Rise, Nauden Launches SPRING BREAK COMMUNITY SERVICE WEEK
Program emphasizes community partnerships, opportunity, accountability to support D.C. youth and advance public safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to recent incidents involving large groups of youth across the District, Ward 6 Council candidate Gloria Nauden today announced the launch of SPRING BREAK COMMUNITY SERVICE WEEK, a community-driven pilot initiative designed to engage local high school students in workforce exposure, civic education, and meaningful service during spring break.
Beginning Saturday, April 11, 20 high school students from Southwest D.C. will participate in a week of hands-on programming focused on skill-building, career exposure, and community service. Participants will earn up to 20 service hours toward D.C. Public and charter school graduation requirements through approved service activities.
Programming includes a “Civics 101” session on how local government works, a “Meet Your Business Neighbors” series connecting students with local entrepreneurs, a “Design Your Future” workshop on goal-setting and career pathways, and a “Teen Voices Forum” featuring youth perspectives and a community dialogue with local law enforcement. Students will have access to a separate, optional paid fellowship opportunity supporting creative and community engagement work, including graphic design, video production, and outreach.
“Too many students want to do the right thing but don’t have access to meaningful opportunities, especially during unstructured time like spring break,” said Lauren Harris, a Ward 6 educator. “When young people don’t have constructive options, or are not incentivized to access what is made available to them, that’s when challenges can escalate.”
Nauden pointed to the District’s 100-hour community service graduation requirement as a system that is not working for many students. “Students aren’t falling short because they don’t care — they’re falling short because they don’t have access to opportunities,” she said. “That’s a gap we can fix through a coordinated effort.”
Nauden said the program was developed in collaboration with Ward 6 students, educators, service providers, residents, and small business owners — reflecting a community-first approach to problem solving. “What we’re seeing across the District is not just a law enforcement issue,” she said. “It’s about creating real opportunities, clear pathways, and consistent expectations for young people.”
The program offers a practical model for how the District can better support young people, residents, and small businesses, advancing a coordinated, community-driven approach to strengthening neighborhood safety and opportunity, with a vision to expand and scale the program similar to the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.
Nauden emphasized the need for a more proactive and coordinated approach to public safety that balances prevention, accountability, and culture. “We need to invest in programs that provide structure, purpose, and real exposure to opportunity, while also reinforcing clear standards in our communities,” she said.
Nauden announced her run for D.C. Council in November after speaking with youth at the October 31, 2025 Navy Yard incident, as well as affected businesses that have since closed their doors, and concerned neighbors who have considered moving, citing the deafening lack of accountability.
Nauden noted that D.C.’s current approach has drifted too far from clear, consistent standards. “When consequences are inconsistent or delayed, young people receive mixed signals about what the community expects and what behavior will be tolerated,” said Nauden.
1. Young people need structure, consequences, and opportunity at the same time—not one without the other. The most effective public safety systems pair firm expectations with interventions that build skills, stability, and adult decision‑making.
2. Curfews may reduce immediate risk, but they do not reduce long‑term recidivism. Sustainable safety comes from targeted intervention, family engagement, school and workforce pathways, and visible accountability that helps youth change course before patterns harden.
3. We should reject the false choice between compassion and accountability. The Council has a pivotal role in leading on this issue. Nauden said that if elected, she will not be asleep at the switch while children are driven further at risk and neighborhoods face ongoing challenges. A safer District requires both: compassion that invests in young people’s futures and accountability that protects the public and interrupts repeat offending. “This is what it looks like to address challenges head-on — not just talking about the problem, but advancing real solutions in partnership with all stakeholders,” said Nauden.
About Gloria Nauden
Gloria Nauden is a longtime Washington, DC resident, mother, community advocate, and candidate for Ward 6 Council. She serves on multiple DC-based boards focused on youth development and small business support. Her executive leadership roles span media, banking, arts, and philanthropy, where she launched initiatives that expand opportunity and strengthen local economies. She previously served as Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and an ANC 6A Commissioner. Learn more: www.gloriaforward6.com
