WISH LIST $350: 1 student’s materials for a 12-week training session; $750: internship stipend for 1 student; $7500: 12-week training session for 10 students

Tom Brown knows everyone has to find his own path. That’s why the former teacher founded Training Grounds – for at-risk youth who want to work hard and make an honest wage but aren’t on the college track. Training Grounds helps young people match their talents with potential professions and directs them to partner organizations that provide vocational training or internships In-house, the focus is on what students need to find and keep a job: interview techniques, accountability, familiarity with corporate culture. There are special classes on entrepreneurship and the possibilities – and responsibilities – it entails. When students walk out the door, they have concrete skills they can apply the next day. The response to Training Grounds’ programs has been strong – 160 graduates in its first year alone – but the need is stronger. This is one of the few vocational programs for young people in DC. With your help, it can expand to a new site in Anacostia and a shelter in Bellevue. As Tom Brown’s students would say, it’s a great investment.

Thomas N Brown, Executive Director 3526 Stanton Road, DE Washington, DC 20020 202-315-6935 traininggroundsinc.org