KIPP Columbus achieves extraordinary outcomes for its students, predominantly students in poverty and students of color—a fact worth celebrating by itself. In 2015-16 in Ohio’s Urban Eight cities, KIPP Columbus was in the top five percent of all schools (district and charter) on student growth and among the very best (top 3 percent) in Columbus. But it’s not just KIPP’s academic data that are impressive. KIPP Columbus, led by Hannah Powell and a visionary board, has a rare knack for forging powerful partnerships at every turn—ones that strengthen KIPP students, their families, and the entire community near its campus. This year, KIPP launched an early learning center in partnership with the YMCA of Central Ohio to serve infants, toddlers, and pre-school aged youngsters. In a neighborhood lacking high-quality childcare and early learning opportunities, it’s an investment not just for KIPP students, but for the community at large. KIPP Columbus also partners with the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus, Battelle Memorial Institute, and other community organizations.
This profile is about KIPP graduate Steve Antwi-Boasiako, an immigrant and first-generation college student now attending Vanderbilt University, whose entire family has been uplifted by the school. His story illustrates the depth of KIPP’s commitment to students’ long-term success. The “KIPP Through College” program tracks data on what colleges turn out to be a good fit for students (many of whom are first-generation college-goers), assists families with applications and financing information, and even partners with 83 colleges and universities nationally so that cohorts of KIPP students improve their odds of successful completion. In a world where just nine percent of low-income students attain a four-year college degree, KIPP students’ attainment rate (44 percent) is truly remarkable, and even ten percentage points higher than that of the population at large (34 percent).
Steve was an inspiration to younger students while attending KIPP: Columbus;
he now attends Vanderbilt University
We urge you to read Steve’s story. In it, KIPP Columbus’s mission to “prove what’s possible” truly comes to life. Indeed, his remarkable trajectory reminds us that not only will students meet our expectations when we place them high, but will often exceed them beyond our wildest hopes.
