New Graduates Celebrate Achievement Amid Job Market Challenges

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has officially commenced the graduation season for the Class of 2025, with ceremonies slated in various prestigious venues like the University of the District of Columbia's Theater of Arts, George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, and American University’s Bender Arena. From Anacostia to Jackson-Reed, nearly twenty D.C. high schools will hold celebrations through mid-June. Luke C. Moore High School is set to recognize its graduates on June 12, while Ron Brown College Preparatory High School will host its ceremony on June 14. Several universities, including Howard and Georgetown, have already wrapped up their own commencement events. However, a troubling economic situation overshadows these joyful moments. Oxford Economics reports that recent graduates, particularly in technology and STEM fields, are entering an exceptionally tough job market, with unemployment among 22-to-27-year-olds nearing 6%. Without significant demand increase or equitable hiring practices, this trend is likely to persist, straining the economy.