Overall, only 1 out of 5 low-income children makes it to college. KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) is a national network of free college-preparatory public schools that prepares students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 66 KIPP schools across 19 states. KIPP Bay Area Schools (KBAS) is made up of five middle schools, two high schools and a regional support office, and serve more than 2,300 students. Gap Inc. founders Doris and Donald Fisher have invested more than $40 million into KIPP since 2000, including the KIPP Summit Academy (KSA) in San Lorenzo where the pilot program was conducted. Other donors include the Koret Foundation, the Gates Foundation, Charles Schwab, Dede Wilsey, and Mimi Haas.

KIPP’s track record of success is stunning: nationally, more than 90 percent of KIPP middle school students have gone on to college-prep high schools, and more than 80 percent of KIPP alumni have gone on to college. To date, 83% of our KIPP Bay Area Schools alumni have matriculated to college.