Bridge to High School

Data Exchange & KID TALK

In DC, students and families have many high school options to choose among. However, this choice landscape often presents logistical challenges for high schools, with many enrolling students from dozens of different middle schools – across DCPS and public charter campuses – but lacking important quantitative and qualitative information upfront to serve incoming 9th graders well.

Created by schools, for schools, the Bridge to High School Data Exchange and Kid Talk equip educators with key student-level information and opportunities to connect with one another to better serve rising 9th graders.


WHAT IS THE BRIDGE TO HIGH SCHOOL DATA EXCHANGE AND KID TALK?

Launched in 2016 as a joint venture between Raise DC and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), the Bridge to High School Data Exchange (Data Exchange) is a standardized process that transmits individual-level data quickly, automatically, and consistently for students as they move from middle to high school. This data is transmitted among participating LEAs, with the understanding that each LEA is responsible for collecting and distributing relevant data among its respective middle and high school campuses. Since its launch, the Data Exchange has scaled to include 95% of DC LEAs with campuses serving grades 8 and 9.

As a complement to the information shared through the Data Exchange, the Kid Talk offers middle and high school staff the opportunity to connect with one another in person to: 1) Review 8th grade data and offer insights to guide student-specific planning for rising 9th graders, and 2) Launch ongoing working relationships between middle and high schools to continue supporting shared students throughout their freshman year. 

Learn more and participate

Now in its fourth year, the Bridge to High School work is continuing with its planned transition to an OSSE-managed initiative. As always, Raise DC is playing a critical role in ensuring the program’s success. For more on the 2019 Bridge to High School Data Exchange and Kid Talk, visit:

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.

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