Raise DC's Change Networks and working groups are an essential part of our on-the-ground work. They are collective partnerships comprised of community-based organizations, school leaders, and government agency partners who meet monthly or bimonthly to act on data that shows inequities.

Relying on national data, local research, and insights from the community, Change Networks develop strategies to combat opportunity gaps and other barriers; test them out; look at the effectiveness of the strategies for students in the most under-resourced areas; then tweak, scale, or change course – a process known as continuous improvement. Change Networks are led by two or three co-chairs from various sectors. We’re proud to count more than 70 organizations and agencies among our active Networks.
 

POPULATIONS SERVED BY CHANGE NETWORK

Note: Some exceptions to these descriptions exist. Raise DC remains nimble in responding to the needs of individual students or new groups as they arise.

Early Grade Change Network (EGCN)
The Early Grade Change Network serves children from kindergarten through 2nd grade who attend an EGCN member organization, including DCPS schools, public charter schools, and in- and out-of-school time programs. EGCN’s boundary includes students from the time they start kindergarten through the summer following the completion of their 2nd grade school year.

Note: This Change Network launched May 31, 2019 and is still in its early formation stages. This population will be further refined throughout 2019.

9th Grade Counts Network (9GCN)
The 9th Grade Counts Network serves 8th and 9th grade students who attend a 9th Grade Counts member organization – whether a DCPS school, a public charter school, or a community-based organization. 9GCN’s boundary includes students from the time they start their 8th grade year to the time they are promoted from 9th grade.


Disconnected Youth Change Network (DYCN)
The Disconnected Youth Change Network serves District of Columbia youth ages 16 through 24 who are either not enrolled in an educational program or who have reconnected to a nontraditional educational pathway (including adult or alternative schools or community-based organizations) with the goal of attaining their high school credential. 
 

Postsecondary Access and Completion Change Network (PACCN)
The Postsecondary Access and Completion Change Network serves DC’s high school graduates through age 24 who are served by member college access providers, community-based organizations, DCPS, or public charter schools. PACCN’s boundary includes this population from the time they earn a high school diploma until they attain a postsecondary credential.

 
 

CHANGE NETWORKS/WORKING GROUPS BY GOAL AREA

KINDERGARTEN READINESS

  • Our Children, Our Community, Our Change

  • Early Grade Change Network
     

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

  • Graduation Pathways Project

  • 9th Grade Counts Network

  • Disconnected Youth Change Network
     

RECONNECTION TO SCHOOL/WORK

  • Disconnected Youth Change Network

  • Graduation Pathways Project

  • Postsecondary Access & Completion Change Network

POSTSECONDARY ENROLLMENT & COMPLETION

  • Postsecondary Access & Completion Change Network

  • Disconnected Youth Change Network
     

CAREER PREPAREDNESS

  • TBD

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