Pearl Coalition Programs

The Pearl Coalition will manage a workforce development program using a multiple faceted team model approach. These programs will encompass day to day operations and the staffing needed to facilitate the building of The Pearl, organizational capacity, and educational offerings. The Pearl Coalition is in the process of building employment models that provide participants with opportunity for profit sharing and short/long term entrepreneurship through business development innovation.

The Pearl Coalition core program components and workforce development programs will include:

Visual and Media Arts Program

See the article and video in the Washington Post featuring TPC Pilot Arts program

Media Art team members will film and produce the building of the Pearl Schooner, special events commemorating the history of the underground railroad and African American history, documentary development with interviews with descendants of Pearl Voyagers, past stake holders, and state and government representatives who currently hold comparable offices of decision makers during the escape on the Pearl.  Members will also work to design and update content used for marketing and public relations.  Program and training opportunities will also include online forums, web site design, marketing packets and public handout design (Annual competition conducted in conjunction with the School educational program)

Art program print available soon with your donation.  Stay connected!

Shipbuilding and Carpentry Apprenticeship Program

Program participants will receive training in the areas of shipbuilding and carpentry apprenticeship. This program component will also provide opportunities for internship and fellowships, after school and summer employment programs. After participants complete training in the various areas, graduates will be linked to employment partners in high-growth industries.

Visit the home page to see the first leg of the voyage of freedom and the roots of this program.

African American/ DC, Maryland and Virginia History Education Curriculum (School Literacy Focused Programming)

A mobile Pearl historical educational program curriculum will be designed to promote and engage students in literacy, literary competitions and public speaking, theatrical performances, arts and music, shipboard educational programming and historical research.

Tour Guides (The Pearl Underground Railroad)

Participants will receive training as ambassadors of the history surrounding the Pearl escape.  Areas include Underground Railroad Guided Tours, Public Readings and reenactments, Book Signings, Historical Forums, and Theatrical Performances.

"Green Jobs" Workforce Development

The Coalition’s workforce development programming has focused primarily on the people who have used the Anacostia and Potomac watersheds for various historical uses. The Anacostia and Potomac rivers have historically served as a vital part of the Underground Railroad.  Thus, the health of these watersheds is a vital part of our mission.

One of the Pearl Coalition’s workforce development program components will focus on “green” jobs and technologies. The Pearl Coalition is uniquely situated to advance environmental responsibility and stewardship on a grass roots level. The staff and consultants of the Pearl Coalition have worked directly on the implementation of multiple storm water and low-impact development techniques within the Washington DC area for over 15 years. Thus, firsthand knowledge of the targeted communities heightens our sense of urgency and importance of environmentally focused workforce development and jobs. 

Through outreach efforts, events, presentations, and community based workshops, the Pearl Coalition will provide residents with an historical perspective of the surrounding watershed, and the vital role it played then and plays now. Additionally, as the SW waterfront and surrounding communities continue to develop, providing residents with educational and employment opportunities is essential to a sustainable environment and economy.

Volunteer Coordination

All core program components will have opportunities for volunteers to participate in all aspects of programming. Workforce Development staff and participants will manage and coordinate volunteers to maximize service learning projects delivery. This is a key component in sharing hidden history and historical contribution of the passengers and supporters of the escape on the Pearl.

Participants

Program participants will be selected based on the following criteria to create a vast array of cultural and social economic diversity.:

33% of program participants will be (10 Participants);
•DC High School Graduates Ages 17 – 24 years of age.
•Interested in Continuing Education
•Reside in Wards 6, 7 or 8 in Washington DC

33% of Program Participants will be;
•High-Risk Youth
•Residents of Washington DC
•Referral received from Pearl Coalition Partners,Community Faith-Based Organizations, Street-Level Outreach Organizations, Community stakeholders dedicated to combating youth delinquency, Law Enforcement agencies and the Judiciary (DYRS, DC Family Court/Court Social Services, CSOSA)

33% of Program Participants will be ;
•After School Employment and Leadership Development Program.
•Internships
•Scholastic Achievement Incentives
•Regionally recommended youth/young adults interested in African American studies.