College Placement

We are proud to report that approximately 80% of KIPP Academy’s last three classes have matriculated to 2 and 4 year colleges.

While college preparation begins as soon as students join KIPP NYC in fifth grade, formal guidance on the college admissions process begins in high school. KIPP to College (KTC) works with high school juniors and seniors to identify and earn admission and financial aid to colleges and other post-secondary opportunities that are well-suited to them. For some students, the KTC counselor supplements the college guidance provided by their high school, whereas for other students, KTC is the sole resource.

The college placement process kicks off with the two-day KIPP to College Junior Class Retreat, held at Camp Ramapo in Rhinebeck, New York. A ropes course and outdoor challenges foster team-building and leadership development among KIPP NYC alumni. KIPP to College staff lead workshops that introduce alumni to key elements of the college application process. During the retreat, students are given the KTC College Placement Manual, which serves as a guide for students and parents throughout the college application process and outlines seven key areas in the college application process: financial aid, the admission process, SAT/ACT test dates, the application, the essay, teacher recommendations, and college comparison worksheets.

Throughout the college process, KTC offers comprehensive guidance to alumni, including individual placement counseling; college tours; “Senior Saturday” classes on topics such as writing essays and interviewing; assistance in completing college applications and applying for financial aid; opportunities for networking with college admission officers; and scholarships for college visits.

The KIPP Opportunity Fund provides limited financial assistance, often in the form of book stipends, to KIPP NYC alumni who are enrolled in college to supplement financial aid, scholarships, and loans from other sources. In the South Bronx, where KIPP Academy is located and where many of our alumni grew up, only 10% of adults have a bachelor’s degree. We are pleased to report that KIPP NYC alumni are going to college at much higher rates—approximately 80% of KIPP Academy’s last several classes have matriculated to 2 and 4 year colleges.

Our goal is to see 85% of KIPP NYC alumni matriculate to college and help the remaining alumni pursue other positive endeavors of their choice, such as civil service jobs, the military, or vocational training.

KIPP to College’s commitment to alumni continues while they are in college. Read about the academic and personal support KTC provides.

KIPP NYC alumni attend schools including: