Stories

We have to show our kids that we are in their corner. And we have to show them how ridiculously important education is.

Mr. Contreras helped me realize that I should never be ashamed of where I come from.

I strongly believe, even more than I did ten years ago, that KIPP is changing the life trajectories of its students.

This work is so important to me, because I know what’s out there. I know what my students are up against. I know what my students face when they walk outside of this building at the end of every day.

It occurred to me that I was surrounded by 7th graders and that every single of one them had a plan. I realized, in that moment, that KIPP teachers did more than just teach. KIPP teachers were vision makers.

When you see this event, it’s almost like...it’s almost like you have to remind yourself that the whole night has been about academics and the character that got them across the finish line.

Everyday I pursue learning as if my life depends on it, because it does.

She was just so happy. And she shot out of line, gave me a huge hug, and ran back on stage to receive her diploma. I just wrote her a recommendation, actually. She started graduate school this past January.

We try to help them find their sense of belonging, and as they search - either on a college campus or in a career- we help to navigate the labyrinth of obstacles that may trip them up.

Before Mr. Harris left, he looked me in the eye and said, “Jay. Don’t mess this up.” I didn’t. I graduated on the dean’s list.