The DC Young Adult Corps Act of 2026 establishes a paid service year program for District residents aged 17 to 24, aimed at bridging the gap between education and stable employment. This program, administered by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) under the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME), allows young adults to gain workforce experience while serving in schools and nonprofits. Participants will work 30 to 40 hours per week for 9 to 12 months, earning wages at or above the District's minimum wage, and may receive completion awards of up to $3,000 upon successful program completion.

The legislation includes strong labor protections to prevent displacement of existing workers and prohibits partisan political activity and religious proselytizing. It creates a non-lapsing DC Young Adult Corps Fund to support the program's sustainability, which will be funded through appropriated funds, grants, and other sources. The bill mandates regular public reporting and independent evaluations every three years to assess the program's effectiveness, focusing on participant demographics, service placements, and employment outcomes. The Mayor is authorized to issue rules for the act's implementation, which will take effect after approval and a congressional review period.