"We want to start a business." These words first inspired BUILD's founder, who agreed to help four young entrepreneurs – on the condition that they finish high school. Now in five locations across the country, including DC where more than 300 students participate annually, BUILD runs a comprehensive, four-year business and academic program that immerses students in entrepreneurship training, teaches critical thinking and problem solving, and propels them toward college. BUILD Metro DC begins in 9th grade with a credit-bearing course at six DC schools and then shifts to an after-school program. Students craft business plans, make pitches for venture capital, build a small business, and "cash-out"; in the third year, they focus intensively on college readiness. 98% of students graduate on time; 97% are accepted into a post-secondary institution; 75% into four-year colleges. The profit is clear.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 1

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 4; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8; Ballou High School ; Cardozo Education Campus; Columbia Heights Education Campus; Eastern Senior High School; Friendship Collegiate Academy; Roosevelt Senior High School; Roosevelt STAY High School; Maya Angelou Public Charter School; The SEED School of Washington, D.C.

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Latino/Hispanic; Native American

Population(s) Served: Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; ; Gays/Lesbians; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members

Schools They Work In: Ballou High School ; Cardozo Education Campus; Columbia Heights Education Campus; Eastern Senior High School; Friendship Collegiate Academy; Roosevelt Senior High School; Roosevelt STAY High School; Maya Angelou Public Charter School; The SEED School of Washington, D.C.


  • Students served this school year:   300
  • Seniors who graduated high school and enrolled in college in 2013:   100%
  • Juniors who broke even and made a profit in their businesses prior to closeout:   75%
  • Mentor retention rate into next school year:   90%
  • Ninth grade credentialed teacher retention rate:   100%

Awards & Recognition

Economic Club of Washington 25th Anniversary Award, 2012.
Morrison & Foerster LLP 25th Anniversary Award, 2012.
United Way of the National Capital Area Member, 2013.
Combined Federal Campaign Member, 2013.
Federal Communication BAR Association Annual Charity Auction Recipient, 2014.
Office of the State Superintendent 21st Century Learning Center, 2014
DC Mayor's City Fund Recipient, 2015

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for BUILD Metro DC is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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