Bridges DC Metro
DC / MD / VA · Founded 1989 · Relaunched 2026
Originally launched in 1989 as the Washington program. Paused in 2024 and relaunched as DC Metro in 2026.
Bridges DC Metro serves young adults across the greater Washington, D.C. area, including Maryland and Virginia, with access to federal, nonprofit, and private sector employers.
3,585
Young adults served since 1990
2,648
Placements since 1990
1,763+
Employer partners
About this program
Bridges DC Metro serves young adults ages 17 to 26 across the greater Washington, D.C. area, including Maryland and Virginia. With access to federal, nonprofit, and private-sector employers, the DC Metro program supports referrals from school districts, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and community organizations across the region.
Bridges originally launched in 1989 as the Washington program, the first site in the network founded by the Marriott family. The program paused in 2024 and relaunched in 2026 as Bridges DC Metro, expanding the service area to include Maryland and Virginia and aligning with the broader regional labor market.
As a relaunched site, Bridges DC Metro is in the early stages of rebuilding local partnerships with school districts, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and community organizations across the District, Maryland, and Virginia. Updates on local partners and school districts served will appear on this page as they are confirmed.
Like every Bridges site, the DC Metro program is free for participants and their families. A Youth Employment Specialist works one-on-one with each young adult to identify career goals, develop interviewing skills, connect with employers, create a résumé, apply for jobs, get a job, and succeed in a job. After a placement, the same specialist supports the new hire through the first year of employment, coordinating with the employer's HR team and following up at 30, 60, and 90-day milestones. The program is funded through grants, donations, and corporate giving. There is no tuition, and no fee to the employer.
Meet the team
Working alongside young adults and employers in DC Metro.
Office
Common questions
Bridges DC Metro, answered.
- Does Bridges from School to Work serve DC Metro?
- Yes. Bridges has operated in DC Metro since 2026, helping young adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep competitive jobs with local employers.
- Is Bridges DC Metro free?
- Yes. Bridges is always free for participants and their families, and there is no fee to employers. The program is funded through grants, donations, and corporate giving.
- Who is eligible for Bridges DC Metro?
- Bridges serves young adults with disabilities who are preparing to enter the workforce, including both in-school students and out-of-school job seekers. The quickest way to check eligibility is to start an interest form or take the eligibility quiz on this site.
- How does Bridges DC Metro work?
- Bridges follows a Prepare, Place, Support model: one-on-one job-readiness coaching, strength-based matching with local employers, and a dedicated Youth Employment Specialist who stays involved for a full year after a participant is hired.
- How do I get started with Bridges DC Metro?
- Start an interest form on this website, or contact the DC Metro team directly using the office details on this page. A Youth Employment Specialist will follow up to talk through next steps.
Ready to connect with Bridges DC Metro?
Whether you're looking for support, want to hire talent, or are interested in partnering, we'd love to hear from you.