Higher Education Report
We're committed to preparing students for economically self-sufficient, choice-filled lives. Leading up to the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, KIPP published a report calling on education leaders, policy makers, higher education institutions, and advocates to commit to drastic changes in the ways we support students in college.
Choosing a College
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 students and families through the college decision-making process. Students 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 students as they prepare for the match process:
1. Get an
early start
It takes a lot of work, a lot of planning, and a lot of time to apply to college. We advise our students 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.
2. Explore your passion, purpose, plan and fit priorities
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, students are more invested in their options and better set up to make strong decisions in the Spring.
3. Prepare for the cost of college
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.
4. Know your numbers
KIPPsters’ academic profiles, including their GPA, ACT, and SAT, affect which school they can attend. School leaders, teachers, and college counseling teams make sure students not only know their numbers, but also know how to implement key strategies to improve their academic trajectories during high school.
Persisting Through College
After students graduate from KIPP schools, KIPP alumni coaches and counselors remain dedicated to helping students earn a degree on the path to a life full of opportunity. Throughout college there are several crucial moments that can put a student at risk of leaving school; conversely, there are some key behaviors that keep a student on the path to graduation. Our support approach is informed by rigorous research, our students’ experiences, and the knowledge and expertise of our community.
Have a purpose, passion, and plan
Create, iterate, and commit to a college and career plan
Focus on
academics
Ensure you set and meet academic goals
Network and navigate
Identify and utilize a strong support team
Be financially fit
Make smart, savvy financial decisions
Know who you are
Develop and practice self-awareness
Charting a Career Path
KIPP’s mission has always been focused on preparing students to lead choice-filled lives. While we know that a college degree is the clearest path to a life of opportunity and choice, we also know some students pursue different paths to fulfilling careers. Through academic and extracurricular programs, we help our students expand their knowledge of career options – and the steps needed to pursue the career of their choice. We’re piloting pathways programs to better support students who pursue a credentialing pathway.
KIPP College Partners
KIPP partners with colleges and universities across the country to learn alongside each other how best to support first-generation college students. Together with more than 95 college partners, we aim to create a scalable model for college access and completion that other institutions can replicate.
Our college partners share our belief that all students will learn and are committed to ensuring first-generation college students persist and graduate.
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F&M's partnership with KIPP empowers underserved students with the resources to determine their own futures; a cause to which I am deeply committed.
Daniel Porterfield, President of Franklin & Marshall College
F&M's partnership with KIPP empowers underserved students with the resources to determine their own futures; a cause to which I am deeply committed.
Daniel Porterfield, President of Franklin & Marshall College -
KIPP schools have established a record of educating high potential students, ready for the academically challenging environment Spelman provides.
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, President of Spelman College
KIPP schools have established a record of educating high potential students, ready for the academically challenging environment Spelman provides.
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, President of Spelman College -
And when our students and alumni get through the obstacles, it's like watching your own children grow up.
Sarah Gomez, Foundation Staff
And when our students and alumni get through the obstacles, it's like watching your own children grow up.
Sarah Gomez, Foundation Staff
Contact KIPP Through College
Contact a local KIPP Through College Director to learn more about partnership opportunities.