KIPP Forward

Through KIPP Forward, we’re supporting students to choose and prepare for the educational and career path that fits their goals and sense of purpose. Once on their way, KIPP Forward teams help alumni keep moving forward while pursuing their dreams.

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student smiling and looking at another student who is graduating

The KIPP Forward Difference

KIPP Forward is a program designed to help our KIPPsters go to and through college and lead a choice-filled life. KIPP Forward counselors work with Little KIPPsters starting in their junior year in high school to select the right classes, fill out the FAFSA and other college scholarship forms, prepare to take college entrance exams such as the ACT, and support them as they prepare for and select the right college and career based on their interests and passions. After high school, KIPP Texas advisors help alumni navigate the academic, social, and financial challenges they might encounter while in college or pursuing a career.

Nationally, KIPP partners with colleges and universities across the country to learn alongside each other how best to support first-generation college students. Together with nearly 100 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 deserve an excellent education, as well as our commitment to ensuring first-generation college students persist and graduate.

The KIPP Forward team meets personally with students and uses a data-driven approach to find and match the schools that will be the right fit for each student.

Students walking across graduation stage

Once students graduate from high school, KIPP Forward counselors help alumni keep moving forward, tackling academic, social, and financial challenges they might encounter while pursuing their dreams.

KIPP focuses on helping students 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. KIPP Forward counselors help students expand their knowledge of career options – and help them navigate the steps needed to pursue the career of their choice.

The KIPP Forward Team

Anthony Salerno

Managing Director of Postsecondary Success

Anthony.Salerno@kipptexas.org

YaMinco Varner

Senior Director of Postsecondary Persistence and Success

YaMinco.Varner@kipptexas.org

Bonnie Casson-Deweese

Senior Director, Post-Secondary Access

Bonnie.Casson-Deweese@kipptexas.org

Ruben Rodriguez

Senior Director, Career Success

Ruben.Rodriguez@kipptexas.org

Resources

Beginning in 11th grade, students focus on creating a resume, preparing for the ACT and/or SAT, essay writing for college applications, data-driven college research, completing admissions applications to best-match and best-fit colleges, and completing scholarship and FAFSA applications. Undocumented students also receive support in DACA enrollment and TASFA applications.

KIPP Forward

The KIPP Forward Difference