10 Things to Know About KIPP

KIPP, the Knowledge is Power Program, is a non-profit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.

1 Our MISSION

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Through education, we will realize a world where every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

We are a network of:

280 Schools

120,000 Students

15,000 Educators

55,000 Alumni

2 Our LEADERSHIP

Alicia Johnson headshot
X
Alicia Johnson headshot

Alicia Johnson
Title: CEO, KIPP NYC Public Schools
Education: BA, Stanford University; MBA, Yale University
Years at KIPP: 14

Alicia first joined KIPP NYC as the Director of Operations at KIPP Through College (KTC) in 2007. She went on to serve as Managing Director of College Services and Managing Director for Data and Operations before becoming the Chief Operating Officer in March 2015. Prior to her work at KIPP NYC, Alicia worked at Wellspring Consulting and the National League of Cities.

Allen Smith headshot
X
Allen Smith headshot

Allen Smith
Title: San Antonio Regional Superintendent, KIPP Texas Public Schools
Education: BA, Central State University; MEd., University of Denver
Years at KIPP: 2

Allen Smith comes to KIPP Texas Public Schools with more than 20 years as a leader in education. He is nationally recognized for his work improving chronically low-performing schools and has a track-record of successfully mentoring instructional leaders. Allen is a Denver native and former Denver Public Schools (DPS) principal who most recently led the Culture Equity and Leadership Team (CELT) at DPS since 2016. He also served for three years as executive director of the Denver Summit Schools Network. He then joined Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina as a community superintendent before heading to California to serve as Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Schools for Oakland Unified School District. 

Amy Pouba headshot
X
Amy Pouba headshot

Amy Pouba
Title: Superintendent, KIPP Chicago Public Schools
Education: BA, Indiana University; MA, Trinity College
Years at KIPP: 17

Amy has worked at KIPP Chicago since 2004 when she joined KIPP Ascend Middle School as a Teacher, eventually serving as Assistant Principal and then Principal. As Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer she has led successful efforts to standardize behavior management systems, increase cross-school collaboration, implement a regional assessment strategy, and coordinate leadership development. She has led KIPP Chicago to be Chicago’s highest performing charter network for three consecutive years while growing the region from two to eight schools. Prior to her time with KIPP Chicago she held teaching positions in Madison, WI (where she was awarded the Golden Apple award), Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD.

Andy Siebert headshot
X
Andy Siebert headshot

Andy Siebert
Title: Executive Director, KIPP Indy Public Schools
Education: BA, Butler University; MAT, Marian University
Years at KIPP: 7
Of Note: Recently named one of Indianapolis Business Journal’s 2021 Forty Under 40 honorees

Andy served as chief of staff and as director of strategic initiatives for KIPP Indy before being named its executive director in 2018. He leads KIPP Indy’s day-to-day work, spearheading organizational growth and overseeing academics, operations, finance, talent, and external partnerships. Andy worked previously at Teach For America Indianapolis, and started his career in education teaching eighth grade English Language Arts in the Indianapolis Public Schools district and at KIPP Indy College Prep Middle School.

Angella Martinez headshot
X
Angella Martinez headshot

Angella Martinez
Title: CEO, KIPP SoCal Public Schools
Education: BA & MEd, UCLA; MA, Loyola Marymount University
Years at KIPP: 14

Angella Martinez became CEO of KIPP SoCal Public Schools in 2021, after serving as CEO in residence and chief academic officer. Previously, she was principal at the high-performing KIPP Los Angeles College Preparatory School. After graduating UCLA, Angella taught at Ralph J. Bunche Elementary for six years with Teach For America, then took a recruitment manager position with the KIPP Foundation in order to broaden her impact. She became a KIPP school leader successor in 2008.

Beth Thompson headshot
X
Beth Thompson headshot

Beth Thompson
Title: CEO, KIPP Northern California Public Schools
Education: BA, MEd, MBA, Stanford University
Years at KIPP: 17

As the founding CEO of KIPP NorCal, Beth established the strong foundation upon which the region stands today. Under her leadership, KIPP NorCal expanded to a system of 16 schools across 5 counties serving 10,000 students and alumni. Prior to her work at KIPP, Beth was on the founding team of NewSchools Venture Fund, a national nonprofit venture philanthropy working to reimagine public education. 

Candace Rogers headshot
X
Candace Rogers headshot

Candace Rogers
Title: Superintendent, KIPP Detroit
Education: BA, University of Michigan; MEd, University of Virginia
Years at KIPP: 10

After 10 years with the KIPP Foundation leading the network’s Successor Prep leadership development program, Candace will be founding KIPP Detroit.  Candace is a Detroit native whose purpose in life is to remember those who have been forgotten and center them.  As such, Candace will spend the next phase of her life centering the beautiful children of Detroit.

Charlie Schmidt headshot
X
Charlie Schmidt headshot

Charlie Schmidt
Title: Executive Director, KIPP Miami Public Schools
Education: BS, Denison University
Years at KIPP: 1

A native of Florida, Charlie joined KIPP Miami in 2021 a Head of Schools. Prior to joining KIPP, Charlie worked for YES Prep Public Schools in Houston, TX. At YES Prep, Charlie served as a Head of Schools and led the creation of a School Principal and Leadership Development program. Before that, Charlie served as a Senior Principal of the YES Prep East End and Southeast campuses. Charlie is a 2006 Teach For America corps member and taught for three years in Alief ISD.

Ciji Pittman headshot
X
Ciji Pittman headshot

Ciji Pittman
Title: Superintendent, KIPP Columbus
Education: BA, University of Virginia; JD, University of Chicago Law School
Years at KIPP: 2

Ciji Pittman, who joined KIPP Columbus in 2020 as Head of Schools, has been appointed its first Superintendent. As she leads KIPP Columbus, Ciji draws on her considerable experience as a teacher, principal, and founding president of Schools for a network of 15 primary and secondary schools in three states where she improved outcomes and doubled the size of the network.

Dan Caesar headshot
X
Dan Caesar headshot

Dan Caesar
Title: Houston Regional Superintendent, KIPP Texas Public Schools
Education: CA, Tufts University; MBA, Rice University
Years at KIPP: 24
Of Note: Dan Caesar has over 20 years of experience with KIPP; he began in 1997 as a sixth-grade math teacher at KIPP Academy Houston. Dan was a Fisher Fellow in 2000 and founded the second KIPP School in Houston, KIPP 3D Academy, in 2001. Dan led KIPP 3D to become one of the top-rated middle schools in the city. In 2010, Dan became Head of Schools for KIPP Houston, and has since overseen exponential growth.

Dan Caesar has over 20 years of experience with KIPP; he began in 1997 as a sixth grade math teacher at KIPP Academy Houston. Dan was a Fisher Fellow in 2000 and founded the second KIPP School in Houston, KIPP 3D Academy, in 2001. Dan led KIPP 3D to become one of the top-rated middle schools in the city. In 2010, Dan became Head of Schools for KIPP Houston, and has since overseen exponential growth.

Dr. Antonio Burt headshot
X
Dr. Antonio Burt headshot

Dr. Antonio Burt
Title: Chief Executive Officer, KIPP Memphis Public Schools
Education: MA & Ed.D, Freed-Hardeman University
Years at KIPP: 1

Dr. Burt is an education reformer devoted to closing the academic achievement gap for all children. Most recently, he served as the chief of schools for Shelby County Schools, where he was responsible for setting districtwide standards for school performance and student achievement. Dr. Burt earned national acclaim during his tenure as a school leader by turning two low-performing Memphis schools into models of student achievement by demonstrating years of consecutive growth in reading and math.

Dr. Jennifer Brown headshot
X
Dr. Jennifer Brown headshot

Dr. Jennifer Brown
Title: Executive Director, KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools
Education: BA & MA, Winthrop University; EdD, Vanderbilt University
Years at KIPP: 7
Of Note: Board member, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jennifer joined the KIPP Jacksonville team as chief academic officer, bringing more than 15 years of experience as an educator in large urban, rural, and nonprofit settings. She was named executive director in 2017. Additionally, she is a proud U.S. Army Veteran who served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Eric Coleman headshot
X
Eric Coleman headshot

Eric Coleman
Title: Interim Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Superintendent, KIPP Texas Public Schools
Education: BA, Southern University and A&M College
Years at KIPP: 12

Eric is a longtime Big KIPPster and current Interim KIPP Texas-Dallas Regional Superintendent. Eric brings a wealth of experience to the role and is focused on building a brave and belonging culture, enhancing the expectation of excellence, and accelerating academic achievement.

James Boyd headshot
X
James Boyd headshot

James Boyd
Title: Executive Director, KIPP Delta Public Schools
Education: BA, University of West Florida; MA Nova Southeastern University
Years at KIPP: 1

As Executive Director of KIPP Delta, James leads our schools in the communities of Helena and Blytheville, Arkansas. After beginning his career in mental health and juvenile justice, James went on to serve as a teacher, coach, principal, and district leader. He most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education at Providence Public Schools and brings over two decades of experience in school transformation to KIPP.  

Jana Cooper headshot
X
Jana Cooper headshot

Jana Cooper
Title: Executive Director, KIPP KC
Education: BA, Truman State University
Years at KIPP: 7

A Kansas City native, Jana brings a wealth of instructional knowledge to KIPP. Jana joined KIPP Endeavor Academy as school leader, and became KIPP KC’s executive director in 2018. Earlier in her career, Jana founded Academia de Niños, a highly regarded elementary school. Jana also worked as a teacher coach at Alta Vista Charter School and in the Hickman Mills School District.

Justin Scott headshot
X
Justin Scott headshot

Justin Scott
Title: Austin Regional Superintendent, KIPP Texas Public Schools
Education: BA, Santa Clara University; MEd, University of Texas at Austin
Years at KIPP: 11

As Superintendent of KIPP Texas – Austin, Justin Scott’s main focus is to ensure children from educationally under-resourced communities in the Austin area have access to great schools. Mr. Scott has worked for more than 20 years in education as an elementary school educator, Peace Corps volunteer (Uzbekistan 2000-2001), Founding principal for KIPP Austin Comunidad (elementary), and as Heads of Schools managing middle and high schools at KIPP Austin. He is a proud Latino leader and the first in his family to attend and graduate from college.

Kelly Garrett headshot
X
Kelly Garrett headshot

Kelly Garrett
Title: Executive Director, KIPP St. Louis Public Schools
Education: BA, Rhodes College; MBA, Harvard Business School
Years at KIPP: 10
Of Note: Kelly is an Aspen Institute-New Schools (Pahara) Fellow

Kelly has served as executive director of KIPP St. Louis since 2011, prior to which he was executive director of the Rainwater Charitable Foundation. He began his education career as a 1992 Teach For America corps member in Houston, then co-founded Project Chrysalis Charter Middle School, a high-performing middle school serving students whose families faced economic hardship. Kelly went on to found Perea Preschool in Memphis and serve as director of business development for KC Distance Learning.

Marsha Reeves headshot
X
Marsha Reeves headshot

Marsha Reeves
Title: Executive Director, KIPP Baltimore
Education: BA, The George Washington University; JD, Harvard Law School
Years at KIPP: 11
Of Note: The child of a military family, Marsha has lived in eight different states, plus DC and Germany. She serves on the board of the Baltimore Community Foundation.

Marsha was introduced to KIPP Baltimore in 2011 and became a donor, volunteer tutor, KABOOM playground builder, and friend. She served as KIPP Baltimore’s chief growth and operations officer before being named executive director in 2016. Before joining KIPP, Marsha spent 20 years as a practicing lawyer, most recently as Head of Legal for PayPal’s Americas Region.

Mini’imah Shaheed headshot
X
Mini’imah Shaheed headshot

Mini’imah Shaheed
Title: CEO, KIPP Metro Atlanta Public Schools
Education: BA, University of Pennsylvania; MAT, Agnes Scott College; MA, Georgia State University
Years at KIPP: 10

Prior to being named CEO, Mini’imah served as the Chief Schools Officer and the Head of Schools for KIPP Metro Atlanta Primary Schools. Mini’imah was also the Founding Principal (a Fisher Fellow) of KIPP STRIVE Primary School, KIPP Metro Atlanta’s first elementary school, established in 2012. Mini’imah began her career in education as a 2001 Teach for America corps member and an assistant principal for four years thereafter. She leads with love, using her experiences and expertise to support and develop KIPP Metro Atlanta’s principals as they work to bring to life every possibility and opportunity for Atlanta’s students.

Natalie Wiltshire headshot
X
Natalie Wiltshire headshot

Natalie Wiltshire
Title: CEO, KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools
Education: BA, University of Pennsylvania; MA, Teachers College at Columbia University
Years at KIPP: 14

Before being named CEO in 2023, Natalie served as KIPP Philly’s Chief Operating Officer for 14 years. Prior to joining KIPP, Natalie was the Director of New York Operations for Achievement First, a public charter school network, overseeing school operations for seven schools in Brooklyn, NY.

Nikki Barnes headshot
X
Nikki Barnes headshot

Nikki Barnes
Title: Executive Director, KIPP Massachusetts Public Charter Schools
Education: BA, Virginia Tech; MEd, Virginia Commonwealth University
Years at KIPP: 9

Nikki has over 20 years of experience teaching in and advocating for public schools. She became executive director of KIPP Massachusetts in 2020, after serving as its chief schools officer. Nikki joined KIPP Massachusetts as a sixth-grade humanities teacher at KIPP Academy Boston, where she served as dean of students and later as school leader. During her tenure, KIPP Academy Boston experienced some of the highest student academic growth in the state.

Randy Dowell headshot
X
Randy Dowell headshot

Randy Dowell
Title: Founder & Executive Director, KIPP Nashville Public Schools
Education: BA, University of Virginia
Years at KIPP: 18

Randy Dowell is the founder of KIPP Academy Nashville and the executive director of KIPP Nashville. Prior to founding KIPP Academy Nashville, he was selected as a KIPP Fisher Fellow, which included leadership training at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Before joining KIPP, Randy taught middle school math and coached football and baseball in Charlotte, NC, and Weymouth, MA. Prior to his career in education, he worked as a consultant in Charlotte, NC.

Rhonda Kalifey-Aluise headshot
X
Rhonda Kalifey-Aluise headshot

Rhonda Kalifey-Aluise
Title: CEO, KIPP New Orleans Schools
Education: BA, Tulane University; MA, University of Virginia; MA, University of New Orleans
Years at KIPP: 17

As CEO of KIPP New Orleans Schools, Rhonda oversees 13 schools serving 5,500 public school students. Rhonda helped open the first KNOS school in June 2005 as a founding board member. She helped the school persevere after Hurricane Katrina, oversaw the opening of more KIPP schools in 2006, and become the first KNOS executive director in 2007. Since then, KIPP has become one of the highest performing charter organizations in the city. Rhonda also served as a Teach for America corps member.

Ryan Hill headshot
X
Ryan Hill headshot

Ryan Hill
Title: Founder & CEO, KIPP New Jersey
Education: BA, University of Wisconsin
Years at KIPP: 19
Of Note: Ryan has won numerous awards including the Delbarton School Distinguished Educator Award, and in 2016 was named a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow. He is a board member of the New Jersey Charter School Association.

In 2002, Ryan became founding principal of KIPP TEAM Academy, the first school in what would become KIPP New Jersey. Under his leadership, the region has grown to 15 schools and seen impressive student academic success. He previously served as a teacher in New York City and was a KIPP Fisher Fellow. Ryan also served as a Teach For America corps member.

Sehba Ali headshot
X
Sehba Ali headshot

Sehba Ali
Title: CEO, KIPP Texas Public Schools
Education: BA, UC Berkeley; MA, Stanford University
Years at KIPP: 20
Of Note: Sehba was a Pahara-Aspen Fellow and completed the Broad Academy for Superintendents. She is a board member of Connect Community and The Post Oak.

Sehba is the CEO of KIPP Texas and former superintendent of KIPP Houston Public Schools. Prior to KIPP Houston, Sehba served as chief academic officer for KIPP Bay Area Schools and founded KIPP Heartwood Academy in San Jose, one of the highest-performing middle schools in California. She began her career as a middle school English teacher in Houston with Teach For America.

Shana Ford headshot
X
Shana Ford headshot

Shana Ford
Title: Executive Director, KIPP Minnesota Public Schools
Education: BASc & MS, Western Governors University
Years at KIPP: 2

Shana was named executive director of KIPP Minnesota in September 2020. She previously served as vice president at the Center for Economic Inclusion, supporting institutions in assessing and instituting systems for racial equity and economic impact. Shana also served as director of lending and impact investing for First Children’s Finance and chief administration and human capital officer for the Harvest Network of Schools. Shana made the switch to education after an 18-year career in banking, where she served as vice president with BMO Harris and Wells Fargo.

Stephanie Valle headshot
X
Stephanie Valle headshot

Stephanie Valle
Title: Executive Director, KIPP Albany Community Public Schools
Education: BA, Hamilton College
Years at KIPP: 4
Of Note: Board member, Millennial Action Project

Stephanie is an experienced leader in policy and communications. Before joining KIPP Albany, she spent a decade on Capitol Hill, most recently serving as chief of staff to Congressman Chris Gibson, where she led a staff of 22 in seven office locations, successfully ran one of the most competitive congressional re-election campaigns in the country, and was recognized for operational excellence. Earlier in her career, Stephanie worked in public relations consulting. 

Susan Schaeffler headshot
X
Susan Schaeffler headshot

Susan Schaeffler
Title: CEO, KIPP DC Public Schools
Education: BS, Colorado State University; MA, University of Maryland
Years at KIPP: 20
Of Note: Susan was an inaugural KIPP Fisher Fellow.

Susan founded KEY Academy—DC’s first KIPP school—in 2001, and was named CEO of KIPP DC in 2005. Under her guidance, the network has grown to sixteen schools and become the highest performing school system in the District. Earlier, Susan spent nine years in the classroom, including with Teach For America in Baltimore. She also worked on teacher training with Teach For America and in rural Ethiopia with the International Foundation of Education.

Tim Saintsing headshot
X
Tim Saintsing headshot

Tim Saintsing
Title: Executive Director, KIPP North Carolina Public Schools
Education: BA, Davidson College; MA, Duke University
Years at KIPP: 2
Of Note: Tim is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Tim joined KIPP after serving as as executive director of Teaching and Learning Labs and chief operations officer at the Relay Graduate School of Education. Prior to Relay, Tim was founding co-director of operations of Uncommon’s Excellence Boys Charter School—the country’s first all-boys charter school—and served as a special assistant for the New York City Department of Education.

Tomi Amos headshot
X
Tomi Amos headshot

Tomi Amos
Title: CEO, KIPP Colorado Public Schools
Education: BA, Trinity University; JD, University of Denver Sturm College of Law; MEd, Teachers College, Columbia University
Years at KIPP: 2

Tomi’s career shows her devotion to education and equity. Before joining KIPP, Tomi served as executive director for the Northeast Denver Innovation Zone (NDIZ), where she prioritized equity in school access and experience while helping schools exceed state and local academic metrics. Tomi began her career in education as a teacher, and later served as a school leader at a Denver charter school network, co-founding schools in Southwest and Far Northeast Denver.

3 Our STRUCTURE

The KIPP network has 3 parts: KIPP schools, KIPP regional organizations, and the KIPP Foundation. All share a common mission—commitment to excellence—and the belief that great education transforms lives. Watch to learn more.

Play Video

4 Our BOARD

“When you walk into a KIPP school, you see educators consistently giving their very best. The learning is rigorous and student centered, and the joy is palpable. KIPP is constantly learning and growing—getting better every year, especially through intentionally recruiting and investing in best-in-class talent. Our model creates a really great school experience, one that achieves learning goals and fully develops student identity and potential.”

— Katherine Bradley

“KIPP’s outcomes are critical for the world to see. They instill confidence and promote a culture of success. They have a structured approach that is really caring in addition to giving students personalized attention—all in a public school setting.”

— Maria Anguiano

“In the early days of KIPP, there was a perspective that valued some level of entrepreneurship in the classroom. That included a willingness to admit if something was not working, and a willingness to try something different. These early lessons got us to scale, and were hugely beneficial. Now we realize that more standardization is necessary for quality, but you need a bit of both to continue to grow.”

— Emma Bloomberg

“KIPP’s teachers demonstrate everyday that all children can succeed, proving that demography does not define destiny.”

— John Fisher

“When you invest in KIPP, you are investing in a learning organization to pioneer the public schools we need. KIPP is doing great work, achieving great results, and they are respected as the leading network of nonprofit schools. The case for KIPP is that it is delivering on the American dream of opportunity. Our challenge is, how do we grow to a more substantial scale so that more kids benefit?”

— Reed Hastings

“As a philanthropist, KIPP has provided a tremendous ‘return on investment’—fostering meaningful access to quality education and all the positive outcomes that follow therefrom. I have been involved personally with KIPP long enough to see the entire arc of success, from kindergarten through college graduation and beyond, watching students launch meaningful careers, many becoming advocates themselves and, at the same time, empowering their families and communities. It is deeply gratifying to work with and support KIPP—a singular opportunity to see time and resources make a genuine difference in the world.” 

— Martha Karsh

“What is the so-what of our work? That we will have thousands of young leaders of color who want to run the country, who will run the world and, in the process, change it. Leaders who are smart, prepared, as well as able to teach character as a core value. We will be able to rest easy because the country will be in good hands.”

— Shavar Jeffries

“KIPP is the largest nationwide network of public charter schools. We are a network of students starting from age three, and of alumni, the eldest of whom are now in their mid-thirties. KIPP has the ability to speak to policy makers, to community members, to union leaders across the political spectrum. We like to share what we learn with other educators, and learn from their experiences, to bring about a deep collaborative understanding of what it takes for students who frequently face economic hardship and those that are first generation to flourish.”

— Dave Levin

“There are different ways to live a meaningful and rewarding life, and not all involve going to an elite college. KIPP supports all of our students and gives them the space to find out who they are and their place in the world. We strive to tell the stories of students who take another path to excellence—of students who go into the military, or who decide that they’re going to become frontline workers in a crisis.”

— Michael Lomax

“I’d say our strongest asset is the incredible group of people who work for KIPP. Any one of the foundation’s leaders or the regional executive directors could have chosen different paths and would have been successful. You just can’t believe how extraordinary they are. We need to be attentive moving forward, making sure that our people get what they need.”

— Mark Nunnelly

“KIPP really believes in the student, and that belief has a transformative effect. All children have unbelievable potential, and, at KIPP, we support students to see that in themselves. It is not simply changing the external circumstance. It is changing the internal narrative.”

— Carrie Walton Penner

“I serve on the board of KIPP Columbus as well as the Foundation. In Columbus, we work hard to gain the trust of families, because having families participate in their children’s school leads to greater success for everyone. We are thrilled, for example, when we host a kindergarten pancake breakfast and several hundred family members show up. That’s a sign we are creating community. For me, it is about always asking ‘how do we serve families better?’”

— Abigail Wexner

< scroll >

5 Our REACH

Nationwide, more than 33,000 students are on KIPP school waiting lists.

6 Our ALUMNI

Where are they now? Meet some KIPPsters:

Metztli Garcia headshot
X
Metztli Garcia headshot

Metztli Garcia

Attended: KIPP SoCal Public Schools
Current Career: Student, UCLA

Metztli Garcia is a first-generation college student at UCLA, majoring in public affairs and education with a passion for education policy and foster care reform. She was born and raised in East Los Angeles in a Latinx low-income household, and as a former foster youth, she continues to take responsibility to speak on the issues that her community is faced with every day and create the change she wants to see in both the education and child welfare system.

Currently, Metztli is the Vice President of Recruitment for the Latin Business Student Association at UCLA, a Financial Wellness Program Peer Coach, and a Policy Fellow for the Latino Policy and Politics Institute at UCLA. She also continues her passion for photography through her own cultural photography business and is currently training to become a certified personal fitness trainer.

Tim Green headshot
X
Tim Green headshot

Tim Green

Attended: KIPP Baltimore
Current Career: Police Officer, Prince George’s County; Master-at-Arms (Security Forces), U.S. Navy

Timothy Green is an alumnus of KIPP Baltimore. He attended Howard Community College and joined the United States Navy as a Master-at-Arms (Security Forces) in 2013. He provides security for military installations, ships, and dignitaries, (including for then-Secretary of Defense General Mattis during the inauguration of former President Donald Trump). In 2015, Tim also joined the Prince George’s County Police Department, where he now serves as an instructor at the training academy. Tim has been named officer of the month numerous times. He earned an associate degree from Eastern Gateway Community College and is currently attending Prince George’s Community College.

Dominique Mejia headshot
X
Dominique Mejia headshot

Dominique Mejia

Attended: KIPP NYC Public Schools
Current Career: Founding Principal, KIPP Affirm Middle School

Dominique R. Mejia founded KIPP Affirm Middle School after completing a Fisher Fellowship and one year as a Principal in Residence. She taught English language arts for seven years (starting at KIPP DC WILL Academy and continuing at KIPP Infinity Middle School) before becoming a dean, instructional coach, and D.E.I. coordinator. Dominique has also enjoyed coaching student sports, music groups, and step teams, as well as creating educational and inspirational music videos for her students. She is entering her 13th year as an educator and her 26th year as a KIPPster, having joined KIPP as a sixth grade student when KIPP Academy first opened its doors more than two decades ago in the Bronx. Dominique is overjoyed and honored to be the first alumna in KIPP’s history to found a KIPP school, and plans to ensure she is not the last. A first-generation high school and college graduate, she received her BA in communications from the University of Maryland at College Park (GO TERPS!) and her MAT in secondary general education from the Relay Graduate School of Education. Outside of work, Dominique enjoys singing, traveling, and spending time with her closest family and friends. She lives in the Bronx with her favorite people on the planet: her husband, Juan, their toddler twin daughters, and her three teenaged siblings.

A’Dorian Murray-Thomas headshot
X
A’Dorian Murray-Thomas headshot

A’Dorian Murray-Thomas

Attended: KIPP New Jersey
Current Career: Founder & CEO, SHE Wins Inc.

A’Dorian Murray-Thomas is the Founder and CEO of SHE Wins Inc., a leadership and social action organization creating a pipeline of college-, career-, and community-ready young women leaders. Founded to serve girls who share her story of losing a loved one to homicide, A’Dorian has been recognized as a President Obama White House Champion of Change, a Glamour Magazine College Woman of the Year, a Young Futurist in The Root Magazine, and was featured in ESSENCE Magazine’s “Black Girl Magic” docuseries. A’Dorian recently made history when, at 23 years old, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Board of Education, New Jersey’s largest public school district. A’Dorian previously served at the Newark Opportunity Youth Network where she connected over-aged and under-credited high school students to alternative educational options, translated for Spanish-speaking families, and helped manage the district’s restorative justice program. A fierce advocate for gender, racial, and educational equity, A’Dorian is currently an NAACP NEXTGEN Leadership Fellow, a School Board Partners Education Policy Fellow, and a recent graduate of Higher Heights national fellowship for Black women leaders. A’Dorian is a 2016 graduate of Swarthmore College and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and educational studies.

Richard Harris headshot
X
Richard Harris headshot

Richard Harris

Attended: KIPP Delta Public Schools
Current Career: Tax Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers in Washington, DC

Richard Harris was born in Helena, Arkansas. A KIPPster through and through, he began his journey with KIPP Delta in 2002 as a fifth grader, and later graduated from KIPP Delta Collegiate as salutatorian. After high school, Richard obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science from Vanderbilt University. He then became a middle school math teacher for KIPP Delta College Preparatory School. Richard graduated Hampton University with an MBA. Currently, he is a tax associate at PwC in Washington, DC.

7 Our PARTNERSHIPS

Community partnerships are a distinguishing factor of a KIPP education and are reflective of our belief that KIPP schools are of, not just in, the community. Discover the powerful partnerships making an impact on students, families and community in KIPP Columbus.

Play Video

8 Our COMMUNITY VOICES

9 Our RESULTS

Retention Rates
KIPPsters graduate from college at approximately 4x the rate of their peers.
Across all grades and subjects, the majority of KIPP students are outperforming the national average for annual growth in reading and math.

< scroll >

10 Our COLLEGE PARTNERS

A sampling of colleges who have enrolled 10 or more KIPP alumni and presidential voices validating their success:

Where do KIPPsters go to college?

  • Agnes Scott College
  • Alabama A&M University
  • Alabama State University
  • Albright College
  • Ball State University
  • Baylor University
  • Bennington College

  • Boston University
  • Bowdoin College
  • Bowie State University
  • Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
  • Clark Atlanta University
  • Colby College
  • Cornell University
  • CUNY
  • Davidson College
  • Delaware State University
  • DePauw University

  • Duke University
  • Emory University
  • Fayetteville State University
  • Fisk University
  • Florida A&M University
  • Franklin & Marshall College
  • George Washington University
  • Georgetown University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Gettysburg College

  • Howard University
  • LeMoyne-Owen College
  • Lehigh University
  • Lincoln University
  • Loyola University New Orleans
  • Morehouse College
  • New York University
  • Ohio State University
  • Philander Smith College
  • Purdue University
  • Rutgers University

  • Spelman College
  • St. John’s University

  • SUNY
  • Syracuse University
  • Talladega College
  • Temple University
  • Texas A&M University
  • Trinity University
  • Tuskegee University
  • University of Arkansas
  • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  • University of California
  • University of Colorado
  • University of Denver

  • University of Georgia
  • University of Houston
  • University of Louisiana at Lafayette
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Massachusetts
  • University of Memphis
  • University of North Carolina
  • University of Oklahoma

  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of San Francisco
  • University of Southern California
  • University of Southern Mississippi
  • University of Tennessee
  • University of Texas
  • University of the District of Columbia
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Xavier University of Louisiana
Amy Gutman headshot

Amy Gutmann, PhD

Former President, University of Pennsylvania

“Ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to college is only one piece of the puzzle. We also need to make sure students are prepared to succeed, and have support along the way. Partnerships like the one Penn has had with KIPP for almost 10 years help students from often underserved communities succeed through college graduation. Penn, with a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, was the first Ivy League institution to partner with KIPP. All of us at Penn celebrate the more than 50 KIPPsters who currently attend and contribute to our great University, and who will undoubtedly go on to have a positive impact on our world.”

Mary Schmidt Campbell headshot

Mary Schmidt Campbell, PhD

Former President, Spelman College

“KIPP and Spelman have a similar goal, and that is to ensure success for first generation college students of color. Over the years, dozens of KIPP graduates succeeded, with support from KIPP champions, Bruce and Martha Karsh, as Spelman students. We have watched with pride as they become pioneers and innovators in numerous industries, providing stellar examples of the benefit of our strategic partnership. KIPP’s commitment to the entire education journey of their students has translated into them becoming high-achieving Spelman scholars who are able to complete college and succeed in career and life. We are proud to be KIPP College partners, helping to bring about systemic change.”

Walter M. Kimbrough headshot

Walter M. Kimbrough, PhD

Former President, Dillard University

“KIPP was a natural partner for Dillard University because of a similar commitment to serve students with great potential and talent, who would thrive with additional support and attention. Recent studies have verified that HBCUs are doing this work well, and when factors are controlled like socio-economic status, HBCUs are producing better outcomes than previously believed. When a school like Dillard, where we have twice the percentage of Pell-eligible students as there are Pell-eligible collegians, and still have a graduation rate that exceeds the national rate for Black students, we know that we are a good choice for many families. HBCUs like Dillard are great places to go to, and through.”

Kent Trachte, PhD

President, Lycoming College

“The power of the Lycoming College partnership with KIPP lies in our shared commitment to this mission:  We change lives. Both KIPP and Lycoming College believe deeply that the future leaders of our nation must also include young people from populations that historically have not had equal access to higher education. Consistent with this vision, in 2014, Lycoming College’s strategic plan committed to recruiting a student body that more fully resembled the mosaic of the population of the United States. We have now made great progress in executing on this strategy. More than one-third of Lycoming’s student body is now first generation; 34% are domestic students of color and 45% are Pell-eligible. Our partnership with KIPP has been the cornerstone of our success.”

< scroll >