Jubei Brown-Weaver’s Public Testimony Before the Committee of the Whole
Good afternoon, Council Chair Mendelson and City Council Members. My name is Jubei Brown-Weaver, a 2022 McKinley Technology High School graduate, and now a full-time Packaged App Developer at Accenture. In 2021, as a junior in high school, I applied to the CareerWise DC youth apprenticeship program. At the time, I was interested in cybersecurity but unsure of my next steps. I knew I needed experience, direction, and a way to learn, but I also knew college wasn’t for me. Which is why an apprenticeship earned while you learn structure was so perfect.
Through a three-year youth apprenticeship in Information Technology at Accenture, I gained all of that and more—starting part-time in high school and transitioning to full-time after graduation. I worked over 2,000 hours, earned more than $35,000, and built a broad foundation of technical and professional skills. At the completion of the apprenticeship, I was applied for and got a job to continue full-time.
My CareerWise DC apprenticeship was designed to launch my career with appropriate structures, like extensive training, pay, and multi-year career and wrap-around support. And the most important part was that I wasn’t just an intern—I was a real employee. I contributed to meaningful projects on my team and participated in countless professional development opportunities.
My apprenticeship at Accenture provided mentorship, hands-on experience, and space to grow. It helped me develop my public speaking skills, which I now use to advocate for youth apprenticeships nationwide.
Today, I’m employed full-time at Accenture as a Packaged App Developer and earn a good salary. Not only do I support myself, but I also contribute to my family’s expenses. I am proud to say that I have just met with a mortgage broker in hopes of moving my family into a new home. Being financially independent is one of my goals in life, and I’m already on track to reach that goal at 20 years old.
This isn’t just a career—I’m building confidence, vision, and a future I didn’t know was possible.
I commend the DC Council for supporting the critical conditions for youth apprenticeship—flexible high school schedules, workforce partnerships, engaged employers, robust CTE pathways, and a commitment to expand multiple, high-quality postsecondary pathways. I want every student to have the opportunity I’ve had to get a headstart on their career. DC Council's investment in this work directly creates real career opportunities for young people like me, particularly in high-demand fields like tech and cybersecurity. This opportunity wasn’t just a job—it changed the trajectory of my life.
Apprenticeships are powerful tools that bridge education and employment and help young people launch meaningful careers. I urge you to continue investing in the school, workforce, and city coordination efforts that make apprenticeships like mine possible. I’m living proof that these investments work.
