Hundreds Gathered in Newark for 17th Annual KIPP Be The Change Gala
2024年5月13日 - 10:05PM
ビジネスワイヤ(英語)
$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/.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240513123652/en/
Jessica Shearer 201-290-5892 jshearer@kippteamandfamily.org