Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA), a public charter school serving students in grades 6–12, today announced the launch of Washington, DC’s first 6th through 12th-grade public school tackle football program. The first season will begin in the fall of 2026.
Building on the success of DPA’s high school football team, launched in 2023, this expansion gives student-athletes the opportunity to grow, lead, and compete.
The middle school program will include tackle football, girls cheer, and girls flag football, broadening access to athletics for families in Ward 7 and Ward 8 and ensuring more students can participate in team-based sports.
Research has shown that students who participate in organized sports are more likely to achieve academically, remain engaged in school, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience.
“This is about more than football,” said Mashea Ashton, CEO of Digital Pioneers Academy. “Athletics create structure, belonging, and purpose. We’ve seen how high school football strengthens our community and supports the academic and personal growth of our players and cheerleaders, and we’re excited to bring those same opportunities to our middle school scholars.”
To lead the new program, DPA has named De’Jon Wilson as Middle School Head Football Coach. A DC native and former college athlete, Wilson brings a strong track record of mentoring and developing young athletes.
“At Digital Pioneers Academy, we take the name ‘Pioneers’ seriously,” said Coach De’Jon Wilson. “We’re not just building a team—we’re building something new for our city. We’re proud to lead the way in bringing middle school tackle football into a school community and giving our scholars the chance to grow as athletes and leaders from day one.”
The program builds on the success of DPA’s high school football team, which has quickly become a source of pride for the school community. Since its inception, the team has achieved a 24-7 record, earned two DC Public Charter School League championships, and finished as the 2025–26 DC state runner-up.
“De’Jon brings an immediate connection with our students,” said Coach Harris, Athletic Director and Director of the Football Program at Digital Pioneers Academy. “This is about building a true 6-12 grade program that develops young leaders and scholars. He knows how to mentor our students and help them grow on and off the field.”
DPA’s success in athletics reflects the same discipline, structure, and high expectations that define its academic program. As the school’s sports offerings have grown, so too have its academic outcomes and overall school culture. DPA is a three-time DC Bold School winner, achieved 100% college acceptance for its founding senior class—earning $11.4 million in scholarships.
Coaches from across the city praised the selection of Coach Wilson.
“I’ve known De’Jon Wilson since his early days in youth football, and I’ve watched him grow into a coach who truly invests in young people,” said Maurice Vaughn of Dunbar High School. “What stands out is his growth as a leader and mentor. He’s built to lead a program like this.”
“De’Jon Wilson has a strong character and a deep commitment to young people,” said Coach Malcolm Battle of Bishop Carroll High School, who coached Wilson as an eighth grader. “He’s one of the highest character young men I’ve ever coached, and that same discipline and leadership now show up in how he guides young people.”
DPA leadership says the expansion to middle school tackle football is about creating access and long-term opportunity.
“When a scholar puts on a DPA uniform in sixth grade, they’re beginning a journey,” Ashton said. “One that can carry them through high school, into college, and beyond.”
