KIPP Forward is an innovative program that supports our scholars on the journey to and through college. Our dedicated college counselors help our high school scholars identify the best post-secondary options based on their interests and passions. After high school graduation, KIPP persistence advisors help more than 2,000 alumni navigate the academic, social, and financial challenges they may encounter in college or while pursuing a career.
KIPP Forward ensures our scholars, about 60% of whom are the first in their families to attend college, have the academic, social, and financial support they need to succeed. We are proud to be able to celebrate with dozens of our alumni who have graduated from college and are now pursuing graduate degrees and professional careers in areas such as finance, education, and medicine.
All KIPP ATL alumni – whether they graduated from KIPP Atlanta Collegiate or completed eighth grade at a KIPP ATL middle school – are supported by our KIPP Forward team. We also provide programming for lower grades to help families get an early start on financial and other planning for college.
KIPP ATL’s commitment to our scholars does not end with high school graduation. We currently support over 2,000 college-aged alumni. We stay connected to our alumni throughout their college journey to ensure they have the academic, social, and financial support they need. As we evolve, we are committed to developing programming that supports a wider variety of postsecondary pathways towards fulfilling careers and lives.
College matriculation rate for the KIPP Atlanta Collegiate Class of 2020
KIPP ATL alumni currently enrolled or who have graduated from college
Scholarship $ earned by the Classes of 2015-2020
KIPP has learned that not all colleges are equal when it comes to graduation rates for students from low-income communities. KIPP uses the College Match Framework while counseling scholars and families through the college decision-making process. Scholars who “match” well are more likely to graduate within 4-6 years. While the College Match Framework outlines in detail the steps that high school Juniors and Seniors should follow, the four steps below are critical for all scholars as they prepare for the match process:
It takes a lot of work, a lot of planning, and a lot of time to apply to college. We advise our scholars to get an early start and to apply ahead of admission deadlines. This gives them access to the largest pool of financial aid and, in some cases, increases odds for acceptance through Early Decision or Early Action options.
It is critical that KIPPsters take time to reflect on what they want out of a college education, include college experience, learning environment, location, area of study, and career opportunities. By building these characteristics into their SMART wish lists, scholars are more invested in their options and better set up to make strong decisions in the Spring.
A college degree opens the door for more job opportunities and higher paying careers. School leaders, teachers, and college counselors work with students and families to understand their options, to help them increase eligibility for aid, and to avoid excess debt.
KIPPsters’ academic profiles, including their GPA, ACT, and SAT, affect which school they can attend. School leaders, teachers, and college counseling teams make sure scholars not only know their numbers, but also know how to implement key strategies to improve their academic trajectories during high school.
After scholars graduate from KIPP schools, KIPP alumni coaches and counselors remain dedicated to helping scholars earn a degree on the path to a life full of opportunity. Throughout college there are several crucial moments that can put a scholar at risk of leaving school; conversely, there are some key behaviors that keep a scholar on the path to graduation. Our support approach is informed by rigorous research, our scholars’ experiences, and the knowledge and expertise of our community.
Create, iterate, and commit to a college and career plan
Ensure you set and meet academic goals
Identify and utilize a strong support team
Make smart, savvy financial decisions
Develop and practice self-awareness
We are committed to ensuring our scholars receive the support necessary for them to persist through high school and college. Since our first graduating class in 2015, we have been preparing our high school alumni for their post-secondary life – college, career, and beyond.
“At KIPP, I had the space to grow and figure out who I was. KIPP allowed for me to be focused and provided the resources to help me navigate to and through college.”
“KIPP feels like home to me. My dream is to return to my high school as a band director, so that I can bring the power of music to the lives of other young people. I believe in KIPP and wear my KIPPster title as a badge of honor.”
“The entire KIPP program has laid a very strong foundation in my education and I ultimately feel more prepared for the future.”
In order to receive KIPP Forward services, please complete this form fully. This information will make it possible for the KIPP Forward team to be able to connect with you through high school and beyond.
Follow us on Instagram @kippforwardatl to learn more!