KIPP Forward

KIPP Forward supports students to choose and prepare for the educational and career path that fits their goals and sense of purpose. Once on their way, KIPP Forward teams help alumni keep moving forward while pursuing their dreams.

The KIPP Forward Approach

In collaboration with the nearly 400 KIPP Forward counselors across the country, we provide KIPP high school students with:

  • Quality curriculum and college selection support in high school
  • Guidance during the transition from high school to college
  • Access to partners that support students on their college and career journey

KIPP High School Counseling and College Match

KIPP Forward counselors support students through career exploration and the College Match process— the specific steps needed to effectively apply for and enroll in college or additional postsecondary education.

College Knowledge and Career Success

Our curriculum for 9th-12th grade fosters critical thinking and career exploration, while cultivating students’ personal agency in navigating the postsecondary entry process.

College Match

This program guides students through the process of selecting colleges to apply to—considering academic, financial, and personal factors that would make a school a good fit.

Why KIPP Forward?

The Challenge

Getting accepted to college is a milestone — but it isn’t the finish line. Without the right college match, sustained support, and a plan for what comes after enrollment, too many high-achieving students end up undermatched, unsupported, or unable to make it to graduation.

Our Approach

KIPP Forward counselors work with students over several years, not months, to help each student build a balanced college list matched to their academic profile, and stay with them through financial aid, enrollment, and the transition to campus. That support continues well past decision day: more than 6,000 KIPP alumni are currently enrolled at one of our 94 College Partners, colleges and universities that work with us to support KIPPsters all the way through to graduation.

The Result

KIPP students are nearly three times as likely to earn a bachelor’s degree as their peers in the lowest-income quartile — a gap large enough that, according to Mathematica research, closing this gap nationwide would close the degree-completion gap for Black students and nearly close it for Latino students.

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  • Our teachers believe in us; they believe we really can do it. That’s what helps and motivates me. I feel like they’ve been dedicated since day one. R’mani, student, KIPP Public Schools Northern California

    Our teachers believe in us; they believe we really can do it. That’s what helps and motivates me. I feel like they’ve been dedicated since day one.

    R’mani, student, KIPP Public Schools Northern California
  • My counselors have been key in my journey toward college readiness. They have dedicated countless hours, offering support as I explore my options. Kylen, alumni, KIPP Memphis Public Schools

    My counselors have been key in my journey toward college readiness. They have dedicated countless hours, offering support as I explore my options.

    Kylen, alumni, KIPP Memphis Public Schools
  • Creating a wishlist with feasible options has helped me assess my academic standing with various colleges and understand how I can enhance my profile. JaMaica, alumni, KIPP North Carolina Public Schools

    Creating a wishlist with feasible options has helped me assess my academic standing with various colleges and understand how I can enhance my profile.

    JaMaica, alumni, KIPP North Carolina Public Schools

2026 KIPP Forward Award Winners

The annual KIPP Forward Awards recognize exceptional leaders, counselors, and advisors who help students pursue their chosen paths and achieve their goals. The Excellence in Leadership Award honors KIPP Forward leaders who exceed expectations, inspire others, and deliver outstanding results for students on the path to and through college. The Excellence in Counseling & Advising – Alexcia Gest Legacy Award honors counselors and advisors whose deep belief in every student strengthens their entire community.