Workforce Development

Briya’s workforce development programs provide college and career readiness training in the early childhood and medical fields. Many students enter these programs after advancing through the levels of Briya’s Two-Generation Program, while for others workforce development is their first experience at Briya. Through these two certification programs, along with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, Briya sets families on career pathways to economic independence and stability.

Briya graduate on stage during graduation ceremony, other students look to her as she raises her hand and holds her diploma
MA students practice in Georgetown’s state-of-the-art facility
Medical Assistant student takes notes during instruction in lab
Medical Assistant students learning to use a scale
Medical Assistant students training
Medical Assistant students practicing inserting IV needle
Medical Assistant student training with instructor

Medical Assistant Program

Students graduate from Briya’s 12-15 month program prepared for careers as Registered Medical Assistants, who work alongside doctors and nurses in medical offices, clinics and hospitals.

Throughout Briya’s course, students gain hands-on practice with clinical lab skills such as drawing blood, giving injections and taking blood pressure. They also gain proficiency in administrative skills, including updating patient records and coding insurance forms.

Briya offers the Medical Assistant Program in collaboration with our longtime partner, Mary’s Center, thereby providing students embedded learning opportunities with Mary’s Center nursing and medical assistant staff. Students also complete a 160-hour externship in a local clinic, hospital or doctor’s office. The course concludes with summer test-prep sessions that equip students to pass the nationally recognized Registered Medical Assistant exam.

Course Details:

Duration: August through June (coursework); July-August (externships and summer test prep sessions)

Time: Monday through Thursday, 6:00-9:00 pm

Location: Briya Public Charter School, 3912 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20011

To qualify, students must be DC residents, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and display their proficiency in English reading, writing, math and career readiness by passing entrance exams.

For more information, please call 202-545-2020.

Adult reads to young child in classroom
Young students play with blocks in classroom with teacher
Students listen to CPR instructor
Students practice CPR on test manequins
Student helps young children with cooking project
Briya staff congratulates student on graduation

Child Development Associate Program

Briya’s ten-month Child Development Associate program equips students to provide high-quality care and education as early childhood teachers, home visitors or directors of licensed childcare homes or centers.

Students begin by learning the foundational theories of child development, including indicators of healthy physical, cognitive, linguistic and social-emotional development. Students put these theories to practice by working with children in a licensed childcare center or school during the course’s 480-hour practicum. They also gain CPR/First Aid certification and create a professional portfolio.

After completing course requirements, students are assessed by the Council for Professional Recognition to receive their national Child Development Associate credential.

Course Details:

Duration: September through April (coursework); April-June (career readiness workshops); September – August (practicum)

Time: Monday through Thursday, 6:00-9:00 pm

Location: Briya Public Charter School, 2333 Ontario Road NW, Washington, DC, 20009

Classes are offered in English and Spanish. To qualify, students must be at least 18 years of age, be DC residents and display their proficiency in reading and writing by passing entrance exams.

For more information, please call 202-420-7200.