Youth and young adults
A consistent mentor, real job skills, and positive places to spend time. We meet young people where they are and walk with them toward what comes next.
Serving DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Real support that puts youth first and keeps the whole family on track.
The P.A.S.S. Project supports youth and young adults ages 14 to 25 across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia through mentoring, workforce development, and pro-social engagement. We work alongside parents, schools, and referral partners to prevent delinquency before it starts and to give every young person a real path forward.
Built for the young person, and for everyone standing behind them.
Most programs stop at the youth. We stay with the whole circle: the young person, the parent or guardian at home, and the school, court, or community partner who made the referral.
Families
You are not handing your child off. You are gaining a partner. We keep you informed, involved, and supported, because a stronger home is where lasting change holds.
Referral partners
A dependable place to send a young person who needs more than a warning. Clear intake, steady communication, and a program designed to prevent delinquency, not just respond to it.
Three ways we build a path forward.
Every young person in the program is supported through the same three pillars. Together they replace risk with direction.
Mentoring
Dedicated one-on-one guidance from adults who show up. Mentors help young people set goals, make better decisions, and build the confidence to keep going when it gets hard.
Workforce development
Practical skills, work readiness, and connections to real opportunities. We help young adults see a future they can earn and give them the tools to reach it.
Pro-social engagement
Positive activities, healthy relationships, and community involvement. Young people who feel connected and valued are far less likely to end up in the system.
Your young person's best interest comes first. Always.
Parents and partners trust us with people they care about. That trust is the foundation of everything we do, and we protect it on every visit, every call, and every decision.
- We prevent, not just respond.Our work is designed to keep young people out of the justice system in the first place.
- We serve the family, not only the youth.Parents and guardians are part of the plan from day one.
- We stay in communication.Referral partners and families hear from us regularly, not only when something goes wrong.
- We are rooted in the region.Based in Washington, DC and serving families across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by people who know these neighborhoods.
Get involved.
Every young person we reach is backed by neighbors who chose to show up. There are three ways to stand with them.
Fund a path forward
Your gift supports mentoring hours, job-readiness training, and positive activities for young people across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. P.A.S.S. Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Ask about givingBe the adult who shows up
Mentors commit to consistent time with one young person. No special background required, just reliability, patience, and a willingness to listen.
Apply to mentorRefer or collaborate
Schools, courts, agencies, and community organizations can refer young people directly or partner with us on programming and workforce placements.
Start a conversationRefer a young person, or reach out.
Parents, guardians, and referral partners anywhere in DC, Maryland, or Virginia can start here. A real person reads every message.
- Tell us a little about the young person.Age, what's going on, and what kind of support you're hoping for.
- We follow up within two business days.By phone or email, whichever you prefer, to talk through fit and next steps.
- We build the plan together.The young person, the family, and the referring partner all stay in the loop.