SpringForward’s ‘Making it Work’ Gala a Success

This year’s Making It Work gala was an extraordinary evening filled with energy, connection, and celebration—bringing together supporters, partners, and friends around a shared belief: apprenticeships can be life-changing pathways to meaningful, sustainable careers.

That belief is at the heart of SpringForward’s mission. Through our work with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and other partners, we are helping young people discover career pathways that combine hands-on experience, mentorship, skill development, and the opportunity to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships offer more than training—they provide a tangible path forward, opening doors to careers and opportunities that young people may not have otherwise imagined for themselves.

That is why it was especially meaningful to honor Maryland State Senator Cory McCray with this year’s Community Engagement Award. Senator McCray’s own journey is a powerful testament to what an apprenticeship can make possible. As he shares in his memoir, The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, an apprenticeship helped change the trajectory of his life and set him on a path toward leadership and public service. His story embodies so much of what drives our work: the conviction that when young people are given access to opportunity, guidance, and a pathway to build real-world skills, the impact can extend far beyond a first job.

Hosted by NBC Washington news anchor Shawn Yancy, the evening gave us an opportunity not only to celebrate Senator McCray and our community, but also to reaffirm why this work matters. His remarks were a powerful reminder of the potential within every young person—and why SpringForward remains committed to working alongside partners like NRAEF to make apprenticeship and career-connected learning accessible to more young people.

Check out our gallery below.