Episode 20: DC SCORES
In this power-packed episode of the We’re Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee shines a spotlight on DC SCORES—an award-winning after-school program blending the grit of soccer, the soul of spoken word and the compassion of service learning. With the support of sponsors who include DC United, the Washington Spirit, and a roster of poetic powerhouses, DC SCORES is transforming young lives across the nation's capital.
Meet Tony Francavilla, the passionate Chief Development Officer, who has spent nearly a decade championing the poet-athlete movement—ensuring thousands of young people have the tools, mentorship, and stage to find their voice and change their communities. Meet Kayla Nelson, a 13-year-old poet-athlete whose work is featured in the Library of Congress and has performed on iconic stages like Arena Stage and Busboys and Poets. Before DC SCORES, Kayla was quiet. Now, she’s a fierce voice for non-violence, using metaphors and rhyme to advocate for her peers and community.
This episode goes beyond the pitch and the page. You’ll hear how DC SCORES uses a *mind-body-soul* model—combining physical activity, creative expression, and community service to empower over 3,500 youth in 68 DC schools. Whether it's organizing youth-led town halls on gun violence or distributing food to unhoused neighbors, these kids are showing up for their city—and each other.
With teachers as coaches, a community support system, and programming that keeps kids in school and off the streets, DC SCORES is more than enrichment—it’s a family. But with 20 schools still on the waitlist and transportation the biggest challenge, this movement needs more champions.
This story will change how you see after-school programs—and what young people are capable of. Listen in!
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the episode on our YouTube Channel here.
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