Through Compact 2043, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education is rallying educators, employers, colleges, nonprofits, and government partners around a bold, shared mission: ensuring every DC student graduates ready for college, career, and lasting economic mobility. Hear from Clara Haskell Botstein on how we’re working to make high-quality, career-connected pathways the norm for every young person in DC.

In this blog post, New Futures challenges the idea that postsecondary success follows a single, linear path. Through Isabella’s story, the post highlights the power of short-term credentials and introduces New Futures’ new work to better support students pursuing these pathways. It also underscores the critical role of a coordinated postsecondary ecosystem—where organizations align to provide the right support at the right moment and create more on-ramps to opportunity.

In a year marked by uncertainty and shrinking resources, the DC Postsecondary Success Collaborative has found strength in community and shared purpose. Executive Director Mukta Ghorpadey highlights key wins, new investments, and upcoming programming - including the 2026 DC Postsecondary Success Summit - designed to support those working to help DC’s young people thrive and reach their postsecondary dreams.