Classroom to Barroom

WLC
2 days ago
2 min read

The Washington Literacy Center (WLC) is proud to announce the launch of its new “Classroom to Barroom” roundtable series, a signature experience for participants in our Learning Skills for Life hospitality training program. Designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce, this initiative gives learners a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry professionals at the end of each cohort.

These roundtables are more than just a networking event — they’re a meaningful space where participants can share their stories, practice their elevator pitches, and hear directly from job providers about what they look for in a strong candidate. The goal is clear: to help our learners shift from being students in training to becoming confident, employable professionals ready to join the workforce.

We envision “Classroom to Barroom” growing into a recurring event that not only serves current participants but also welcomes back alumni to reconnect, share their journeys, and continue building their professional networks.

The first roundtable kicked off on Friday, May 28th with an inspiring and productive session. After a light lunch, participants sat down with Natalie Van Fleet from Long Shot Hospitality’s Human Resources team and Salina Khalid, Associate Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture. The conversation was so impactful that several participants applied for jobs immediately after the session — and some were hired on the spot.

At WLC, we’re intentional about more than just skills training. We’re cultivating a mindset shift — helping our learners see themselves not just as participants, but as future employees, leaders, and change-makers in the industry.