$533K Raised for KIPP Forward Empowering Student Success Beyond High School

KIPP New Jersey, a network of free, open-enrollment public charter schools, today celebrated its 23rd year supporting the youth of Newark and Camden through high-quality education with its 17th annual Be The Change event. Each year, this celebration and fundraising event attracts alumni, current students and their families, faculty and staff, and members of the community.

“Be the Change” is KIPP New Jersey’s leading fundraising initiative that celebrates families and community members who have made positive changes in Newark and Camden schools and neighborhoods, while raising critical funding for its 8,588 scholars and 2,900+ alumni.

KIPP honored three nominees who each exemplify the broad network of supporters KIPP New Jersey’s schools are known for including business and community partnerships, deep and inclusive familial bonds, and local philanthropists. They include Modia Butler from Mercury Public Affairs for his long-standing work in the Newark community; Carolyn Clark, a steadfast champion of education for all Newark students and a KIPP NJ grandparent; and Josh Weston, a New Jersey philanthropist, former KIPP NJ board member, and former CEO of ADP.

Mayor Ras Baraka gave remarks on the essential work of KIPP Forward, the focus of this year’s celebration. The evening also featured members of KIPP’s high school graduating class who are committed to post-secondary education institutions.

KIPP Forward’s purpose is to support students to choose and prepare for the educational and career path that fits their goals and sense of purpose. For students who have graduated from KIPP or otherwise moved out of the KIPP community, KIPP Forward’s deep bench of counselors works to support alumni to keep moving forward while pursuing their dreams. Donations help cover costs for KIPP Forward operations, supplies, summer enrichment programs, learning and technology programs, college book stipends, and emergency funding for KIPP alumni college students.

“This year’s graduating class began their high school journey at the height of the pandemic and has overcome incredible obstacles. They deserve our admiration, appreciation but most importantly, our neverending belief and encouragement as they embark on the next phase of their journeys,” said Ryan Hill, Founder and CEO of KIPP New Jersey. “We have made significant progress together over the past few years, with notable student achievement, rising attendance rates, and college matriculation. Embodying what is at the heart of KIPP, we will continue to support our students post-graduation by staying in close contact with all our alumni to ensure they can continue to pursue their dreams well after they leave the classroom.”

To learn more about KIPP New Jersey charter schools, visit: https://kippnj.org/.

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About KIPP New Jersey

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, 80 fifth graders walked through the doors of our first middle school in Newark, New Jersey, and KIPP New Jersey has since grown to educate 8,135 students in grades K-12 across 19 schools in Newark and Camden. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals.

By 2025, KIPP New Jersey will provide a world-class education to over 10,300 students across fifteen schools in Newark and five in Camden. To learn more, visit https://kippnj.org/.

Jessica Shearer 201-290-5892 jshearer@kippteamandfamily.org