Since 1993, Spark the Journey (previously Capital Partners for Education) has placed hundreds of motivated students from families with low incomes on the path to high school graduation, college completion, and career success. Eighty percent are first-generation-to-college students; 99% are students of color; all are from families with low incomes that face systemic barriers to education. Starting in tenth grade and continuing through college, Spark offers a continuum of one-on-one mentoring, academic support, career preparation, and workforce development services. This intensive, long-term approach does wonders: 97% of students who have completed the high school mentoring program have enrolled in college and gone on to graduate at more than double the rate of their similarly-situated peers, prepared to be successful in their careers and to improve their economic security. A cap and gown – and a new beginning – are within reach.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 2
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County
Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)
Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic; Other
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students
Schools They Work In: We partner with 20 private high schools in the DC metro area.
Awards & Recognition
Despite its relatively small size, the CPE program is gaining recognition for its quality programming and impressive outcomes.
In 2005, the Washingtonian magazine named CPE one of the top 40 nonprofit organizations in the city making a difference for young people.
In 2006, 2010, and 2014 the Catalogue for Philanthropy recommended CPE to its readers as one of the 10 best education charities in the area.
In 2011, Capital Partners for Education received Honorable Mention for The Center for Nonprofit Advancement's Board Leadership Award.
Press
- Harris' Heroes
Wed Oct 14 2015, ABC7 -WJLA
Harris' Heroes spotlights CPE's mentorship program featuring Capital City Junior Idriis Hill and mentor Duane Rollins!
- Capital Partners for Education gives students a chance
Tue Nov 15 2011, The Washington Post
Black is one of 113 students currently working with CPE, a non-profit organization that steers students to area private high schools, provid
- Washington Post and McCormick Foundation award $90,000 to local nonprofits
Thu Jun 30 2011, The Washington Post
Four local nonprofit groups were awarded a total of $90,000 in grants Wednesday night from The Washington Post and the McCormick Foundation
- DC nonprofit Capital Partners for Education host career fair
Wed Mar 30 2011, Examiner.com
Capital Partners for Education (CPE) is a DC based nonprofit that aims to improve the futures of low-income youth by helping them receive...
- Marking Martin Luther King's Birthday
Mon Jan 17 2011, Washington Post
President Obama speaks about the importance of service and volunteering after marking Martin Luther King's birthday with a service project.
Budget (FY2013)
- $3 million or higher
- The current budget for Spark the Journey is: $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About the Catalogue for Philanthropy
Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.
The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!