With CityBridge Foundation’s research and strategic support, DC Public Schools’ Office of School Innovation launched the DC Catalyst Project in 2009 to transform thirteen standard schools into theme-centered learning environments. The three themes—Arts Integration; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); and World Cultures—were chosen to ensure that all DCPS students are proficient in 21st century skills.

In the 2009-2010 school year, the Catalyst schools were given planning grants to develop programs and to hire staff. To support the initial transformation of these thirteen schools, CityBridge brokered partnerships with two private consulting firms, which volunteered their professional skills in communication strategy, technology utilization and leadership development. With the support of CityBridge staff, consulting professionals conducted five, three-month pro bono projects to develop plans for schools to design and market their new theme, culminating with a communications best-practice workshop for all schools in the DC Catalyst Project.

In the second year of the project, the schools were focusing on demonstrating gains in student achievement and engagement, educator performance and retention, and overall community investment. The thirteen schools strive to build capacity and foster rigorous learning opportunities through effective teaching, strategic support of teachers and school leaders, rich out-of-school experiences, and project-based learning with theme-related resources. Professional development continues at each school site in order to provide tailored opportunities for teachers and school leaders to hone their skills.