High School Graduation

Our Goal

Every youth graduates from high school.
 

WHY IT MATTERS

With a citywide four-year high school graduation rate of 72%, this means that more than 28% of our DC Public Schools and public charter school students do not graduate high school in the expected timeframe.

Examining cohorts of students who started 9th grade between 2006 - 2009, the Raise DC's 2014 Graduation Pathways Report found that about one-fourth of a student’s chances of graduating from high school could be accounted for by 8th grade characteristics. Moreover, it found that roughly 46% of first-time 9th graders (2008) ended their freshman year “off track” (low credit accumulation and high unexcused absences) – the vast majority of whom eventually dropped out. Raise DC aims increase the percentage of youth who graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary education and career opportunities.
 

INDICATORS Tied to thIS Goal

  • Four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR)

  • Five-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR)

 
 

OUR WORK TOWARD THIS GOAL

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