Postsecondary Completion

Our Goal

Every youth attains a postsecondary credential.

WHY IT MATTERS

For most, a college education is the gateway to the American middle class – earning potential that sustains you and your family. Since 2011, the U.S. economy has added 11.5 million new jobs for workers with postsecondary education, but only 80,000 for those with a high school diploma or less. Between now and 2025, assuming current rates of degree and certificate production continue, about 24.2 million Americans will earn postsecondary credentials. However, 16.4 million more need to be added to that total to meet our nation’s growing need for talent. Jobs in DC will require the highest concentration of postsecondary education in the entire country by 2020. Additionally, 76% of all jobs in DC will require some postsecondary education. Currently, though, the six-year bachelor’s degree and three-year associate's degree attainment rate for DC’s high school graduates who enroll in college sits at 37%. 

INDICATORS TIED TO This GOAL

  • Postsecondary enrollment (NSC)

  • Postsecondary persistence (NSC)

  • Three-year associate's degree completion (NSC)

  • Six-year bachelor's degree completion (NSC)
     

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