Raise DC Staff and Operations

James Kelly Headshot.jpg

JAMES KELLY

9th Grade Counts Network co-Lead

Washington Latin Public Charter School
Assistant Principal, Academic Operations

James (Jimmy) Kelly is the Assistant Principal of Academic Operations at Washington Latin Public Charter School. Prior to joining the staff at Washington Latin, Kelly served as the Director of PrepNext at DC Prep.

Kelly began his education career as a Teach For America Corps Member teaching middle school math in St. Louis, Missouri. In 2011, he co-founded the college access program inspireSTL, which supports scholars from 7th grade through college graduation with securing tutoring/coaching, financial aid, and college access.

Kelly earned his bachelor's degree in sociology from Vassar College and his master's degree in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

VPP + Raise DC
is now Youth
Invest Partners

In June of 2000, Venture Philanthropy Partners opened it doors, spurred by the efforts of three founders who asked themselves,
“Could the business world provide a different, innovative approach to social change?”

In the years that followed, VPP quickly became a strategic hub for high-impact investments through deep and sustained partnerships with foundations, businesses, government agencies and school systems.

In April of 2020, VPP formed a strategic alliance with Raise DC to build an investment organization capable of driving alignment among communities, and nonprofit, business and regional leaders around systems change. VPP+Raise DC committed to call out and confront policies, practices and systems that contribute to racial inequity.

Today, we recognize the need to do more, be bolder, and act faster. Youth Invest Partners is a call to “dream big and do big” to drive change that will build better futures for Greater Washington youth today and in the days, months and years to come. Our new name and brand reflects energy and focus as we collaborate, innovate and transform.

Join us and learn more