WASHINGTON, DC (Dec. 1, 2025) – The American Experience Foundation (AEF) today announced its new name and brand identity: NEXTDC. The rebrand reflects a renewed mission to invest in the next generation of hospitality professionals, connecting Washington, DC’s youth to meaningful educational and career experiences across the tourism, hospitality, media and sports industries.
Through programs that help students Network, Educate, Experience and Travel, NEXTDC bridges the gap between education and opportunity—empowering DC students to enter college and careers with confidence.
Since its founding in 2015, NEXTDC has enriched the lives of more than 6,200 students, provided over $216,000 in scholarships, supported 340+ educators and inspired industry collaboration through more than $2 million in financial support and $1 million in in-kind donations from local partners, including the Richard E. & Nancy P. Marriott Foundation and DC Commission for Arts & Humanities.
“Our new name, NEXTDC, reflects both who we serve and what we believe — that the future of our city begins with investing in our young people,” said Claire Carlin, executive director of NEXTDC. “This is more than a rebrand. It’s a movement to connect education, industry and opportunity in ways that truly transform lives.”
“The hospitality industry continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our community and its young people,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, NEXTDC Board of Directors member and president and CEO of Destination DC. “Through NEXTDC, we are not only investing in the future workforce but also creating access and visibility for DC students who represent the next generation of leaders. Our interns, scholars and alumni remind us daily why the future of DC’s hospitality industry is so bright.”
2025 NEXTDC Annual Report Highlights
- In 2025, NEXTDC achieved record engagement and impact across its programs:
- 1,656 total student engagements, including 1,266 work-based learning experiences
- 37 scholarships awarded, totaling $38,500
- 23 paid internships hosted
- 119 students participated in professional networking events
- Over 200 educators engaged in professional development programs
- $90,000 raised at the annual July 4th VIP Celebration to fund career readiness initiatives
- AEF now proudly serves nine high schools across Washington, DC and supports 14 career academies in fields including Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts, Mass Media and Sports Marketing.
Since its inception in 2015, NEXTDC’s programs have:
- Hosted 924 students on educational field trips to Washington, DC and beyond
- Provided 217 internship placements
- Created 3,200+ work-based learning opportunities
- Reinvested more than $3 million in combined financial and in-kind support for youth career development
The complete Annual Report is available here.
What’s Next for NEXTDC
With leadership from LINK Strategic Partners, the creativity of Destination DC’s in-house team and the digital expertise of MMGY Global, NEXTDC will launch a new website in December and a fresh visual identity that highlights DC’s next generation of talent.
NEXTDC will be celebrated at the Destination DC Member Holiday Celebration on Dec. 17 at The Square, an annual event benefiting NEXTDC’s mission to invest in DC’s young leaders. Guests are invited to bring their holiday spirit and to see Academy students in action as they help bring the celebration to life.
Supporters can also give back this season by participating in an online raffle, with all tax-deductible contributions funding NEXTDC’s work-based learning programs for students.
From leading culinary competitions and covering national conferences to traveling on educational field trips and interning with DDC and local hospitality partners, NEXTDC scholars gain firsthand experience in the careers that power Washington, DC’s visitor economy.
“Through NEXTDC, I discovered my voice and realized my potential,” said Micah Bracey, a NEXTDC Career Ready Intern and student at Jackson-Reed High School. “I built connections with professionals who guided me through everything from presentations to college applications and showed me that a future in hospitality and media is possible.”
About NEXTDC
NEXTDC enriches students' lives through inspirational experiences and educational opportunities, cultivating the next generation of leaders in Washington, DC. As the official nonprofit partner of Destination DC, NEXTDC connects local youth with professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives across the city’s tourism, hospitality, and business sectors. Through its four core program areas—Network, Educate, Experience, and Travel—NEXTDC provides scholarships, internships, field trips and mentorship opportunities that prepare students to thrive in college, careers and their communities. Learn more at thenextdc.org.
December 2, 2025