The Fishing School

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Seeing so much abject poverty, youth related crimes, and broken families, Mr. Lewis promised to bring about change for the youth of Washington, DC.

In 1990, our founder Tom Lewis, a former Metropolitan Police Department officer, opened The Fishing School in a renovated former crack house on Wylie Street, NE (Ward 6), one of the most crime-ridden neighborhoods in DC. He believed then, as we do today, that education is the absolute key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and in the power of afterschool and summer programs as vehicles for delivering learning. He also based his vision on the adage, “If you give a man a fish, you will feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will feed himself for a lifetime.” Since 1990, TFS has helped over 4,000 students and their parents. Our programs have historically produced high impacts for children, evidenced by external evaluations, continued growth, and fiscal stability. To ensure our impact was sustained and could scale, we embarked on an ambitious strategic planning process in January 2012. This intensive, two–year process prepared us to launch our innovative new Cohort Model and a refined mission statement. Please watch Redemption Stone to learn about our founder, Mr. Tom Lewis:

https://youtu.be/uTvBR0LagHg

10/19/2026

We're looking forward to welcoming our community to Howard University tomorrow for an evening of thought-provoking discussion with authors Kamal Ben Ali () and Rob Robertson (), moderated by Barry Hudson ().

Sharing different perspectives and lived experiences helps us explore how we can better support, encourage, and create opportunities for the next generation.

Everyone is welcome to be part of the conversation. We hope to see you there.

Scan the QR code for event details and registration.

10/15/2026

From the football field to executive leadership, Rob Robertson’s () journey has been shaped by perseverance, purpose, and a commitment to developing people. Rob, one of the featured authors joining our author conversation on October 20, played in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens before building a career spanning more than 20 years in financial services leadership.

In his book, “Persevering Through Purpose,” Rob draws on those experiences to explore resilience, leadership, and staying connected to your purpose through challenges and change. His story reflects the kind of purpose and determination we hope to strengthen in our program students.

Come be part of the conversation, moderated by Barry Hudson (). Student admission is free. For tickets, scan the QR code.

10/14/2026

For Kamal Ben Ali, leadership and community go hand in hand.

As co-owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl and vice chair of the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation (), Kamal is helping carry forward a DC legacy of service, connection, and giving back.

Join us on October 20, where Kamal will share stories from his experiences in business, leadership, and community, along with his book, “Ascend: The Black Man’s Guide to Elevation, Success, and Purpose.”

It's a chance to hear new perspectives on leadership, purpose, and the role we can all play in strengthening our communities.

Come be part of the conversation, moderated by Barry Hudson (). Student admission is free. For tickets, scan the QR code.

10/14/2026

We're just a week away from an evening of great conversation.

On Tuesday, October 20, from 6–8:00 PM at Founders Library, Rob Robertson () and Kamal Ben Ali () will share their perspectives in a discussion moderated by Barry Hudson (). We're looking forward to bringing these voices and ideas to our community.

We hope you can join us! Admission is free for students. Scan the QR code for more information and to get your ticket.

10/08/2026

We have a new school partner to introduce!

This fall, Houston Elementary joins us as a new program partner, bringing after-school programming to first- and second-grade students.

Through hands-on learning, creative exploration, and opportunities to build confidence and new skills, students will have space to learn, connect, and grow beyond the school day.

We’re proud to begin this new partnership with the Houston Elementary community.

10/07/2026

Leckie Education Campus families , save the date!

On October 22, The Fishing School will join communities across the country in celebrating Lights On Afterschool, a national recognition of the important role afterschool programs play in the lives of young people.

At our partner school, Leckie Education Campus, we’ll celebrate the learning, creativity, and connection that happen beyond the school day and highlight how afterschool programs give students opportunities to build skills, explore new interests, and prepare for the future.

We’re proud to take part in a day that recognizes the students, families, educators, and organizations that make these opportunities possible.

10/06/2026

From the football field to executive leadership, Rob Robertson’s () journey has been shaped by perseverance, purpose, and a commitment to developing people.

Rob, one of the featured authors joining our Author Conversation on October 20, played in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens before building a career spanning more than 20 years in financial services leadership.

In his book, “Persevering Through Purpose,” Rob draws on those experiences to explore resilience, leadership, and staying connected to your purpose through challenges and change.

His story reflects the kind of purpose and determination we hope to strengthen in our program students. If you’re interested in how mentorship, leadership, and lived experience can help young people see more possibilities for their futures, this event is for you.

Come be part of the conversation, moderated by Barry Hudson (). For tickets, visit www.fishingschool.org or scan the QR code.

10/01/2026

October is National Book Month, and we’re celebrating with a conversation about literacy, mentorship and investing in the next generation.

Join us October 20 for our book Event featuring DC-area authors Robertson (robertsonrobjr) and Kamal Ben Ali. Together, we’ll explore how community support can help young people in the District see themselves as the authors of their own success.

Tickets are $25 and available now. For more information and to purchase a ticket visit: https://bit.ly/4dvKW8R. Or, scan the QR code.

09/29/2026

Why does this work matter?

Preparing young people for the future means supporting more than academic achievement. It also means helping them grow more confident in STEM, strengthen social and emotional skills, express themselves creatively and stay connected to the people supporting their success.

When young people have the tools and support to thrive, that impact can reach beyond the individual. It helps strengthen families, schools and the communities they’re part of.

09/22/2026

Once the bell rings, learning keeps going.

Through STEM and arts-focused activities, students have more opportunities to explore ideas, solve problems, create, collaborate and build on the skills they’re already developing in school.

That kind of hands-on learning has long been at the heart of what we do, helping young people build skills that strengthen their futures and the communities around them.

As fall programming gets underway across our sites, we’re excited to share more of that learning in action.

Address

4737 Meade Street NE
Washington D.C., DC
20019

Website

https://www.fishingschool.org/

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