Disconnected Youth Change Network

 

Our WORK

The Disconnected Youth Change Network (DYCN) consists of community-based organizations, government agencies, funders, and alternative and adult learning institutions dedicated to creating and providing reengagement opportunities for youth who are not currently enrolled in an education or training program.

DYCN members provided the foundational technical, research, and advocacy support to advance the Deputy Mayor for Education and Office of the State Superintendent of Education's (OSSE's) launch of the District's first youth ReEngagement Center (REC). The DYCN now serves as the external advisory committee to the REC. Staffed with a team of youth specialists and managed by OSSE, the REC is DC’s marquee resource for providing out-of-school youth with opportunities to enroll in education programs and connect to a variety of supportive wraparound services that will help them pursue and complete high school credentials, putting them on the path to future career success.   

With the help of the DC Alliance for Youth Advocates, DYCN members have also collectively advocated for policy changes related to the expansion of transportation subsidies and for policies that create more flexible pathways to achieving a high school diploma. Additionally, DYCN members developed a resource guide that catalogs the providers and services in the city that serve disconnected youth.

Harnessing the myriad of youth-focused institutions from around the District, DYCN is launching an effort to define, collect, and analyze valuable data related to one of the city’s most difficult-to-track populations. The ability to clearly define DYCN’s collective impact, highlight and scale effective practices, and collaborate with similar organizations to advance a shared policy agenda will assist DYCN members in achieving their shared goal. 
 

GOALS TIED TO THIS WORK

Leadership

 

MEMBERS

CONTACT

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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