Politicians talk jobs -- AYT actually makes them happen

Jobs, jobs jobs. The word is on the lips of every D.C. politician. They spout the grim numbers: communities east of the Anacostia River have more unemployed than anywhere in the country. Mayor Vince Gray won election in part because he promised to create jobs. Talking jobs is the mayor’s refuge when reporters pester him about the unpleasantness of scandals engulfing his campaign.

In search of someone actually training workers and helping them find jobs, I stopped by AYT Institute on 14th and R Streets one steamy morning last week. Mechanics were fixing cars in the first floor bays, but upstairs teachers were teaching, and students — in this case two men recently released from jail — were learning.