Outside First Choice Masonry in Northeast DC, a small group of students are getting hands-on experience in the construction trade through a seven-week masonry course. Led by First Choice Masonry and supported by the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, the program provides valuable skills and a pathway to future employment. “First and foremost, we do want to help the individuals that live in the city. I think it’s a rewarding aspect to be able to rebuild the communities that you live in,” says Cory Jones, President of First Choice Masonry. Through this initiative, young participants gain real-world training while contributing to the neighborhoods they call home.