The American Experience Foundation (AEF) has announced a new name and brand identity: NEXTDC, as it sets a new mission to help bridge the gap between education and opportunity for young people in Washington, DC. The rebrand reflects a renewed intent to invest in the next generation of hospitality professionals, connecting Washington, DC’s youth to educational and career experiences across the tourism, hospitality, media and sports industries.
Through programmes that help students Network, Educate, Experience and Travel, NEXTDC aims to empower DC students to enter college and careers with confidence. Since its founding in 2015, the foundation 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 $2m in financial support and $1m 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 (pictured), 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.”
In 2025, NEXTDC achieved record engagement and impact across its programmes, according to its annual report: 1,656 total student engagements, including 1,266 work-based learning experiences 37 scholarships awarded, totalling $38,500 23 paid internships hosted AEF now serves nine high schools across Washington, DC and supports 14 career academies in fields including Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts, Mass Media and Sports Marketing.
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.
“Through NEXTDC, I discovered my voice and realised 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.”
Learn more at thenextdc.org