KIPP Columbus
Who We Are: KIPP, the "Knowledge Is Power Program", is a national network of free, open enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and life. Nationally, there are 255 KIPP schools serving over 100,000 students and nearly 15,000 KIPP alumni who are graduating from college at 3X the rate of their peers. Founded in 2008 with 50 students in the 5th grade, KIPP Columbus currently serves over 2,000 students from 6 weeks old to 12th grade.
What We Do: KIPP Columbus offers a transformational education to students in Columbus. We promise our KIPPsters and their families that we will do whatever it takes to get them to and through college. By establishing high expectations, collaborating and fostering character development in a nurturing and safe environment, we empower students with knowledge, skills and character necessary for success in college and life. As we continue to expand the number of students we serve, our focus remains singular: the children and families in our community deserve access to quality education. We are committed to being part of the solution and we have a great responsibility to deliver on the promises we have made.
Why We're Important: Nationally, our KIPPsters are graduating from college at 3X the rate of their peers and locally, KIPP Columbus has, for the third straight year, the highest amount of student academic growth of any urban school in Ohio (as measured by the 2018-2019 State Report Card). At KIPP Columbus, we are committed to enabling our students to live choice filled lives. Our KIPPsters, who often come to us drastically behind in reading, math and other grade-level skills, make significant and impactful growth in their academic achievement. Because of this robust learning, our KIPPsters are able to navigate their way throughout their K-12 education and nearly 100% of KIPP Columbus Alumni are persisting in high school and college.
How We Impact The Community: All students at KIPP Columbus receive free breakfast and lunch (with over 1,000,000 free meals served during the COVID-19 pandemic), with additional snacks and meals provided for students participating in afterschool programs. Our schools offer innovative programs, thanks to partnerships with several community organizations. KIPP Columbus has an athletics and wellness complex that serves not only our KIPPsters, but also the broader community with local partners. KIPP Columbus alumni receive continuing support from our school, with assistance in the college application process, understanding financial aid and preparing for collegiate life.
How You Can Help: Supporting our KIPPsters will have a significant impact on the trajectory of their lives. There are a variety of ways in which you can be involved in advancing their success, including funding school supplies, uniform and additional clothing purchases, technology support, athletic programming, college access programming and more. While at this time we cannot welcome visitors and guests, due to health and safety regulations, to our campus we look forward to when we can welcome you in the near future.
Connect with KIPP Columbus
2980 INSPIRE Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 966-0433
Executive Director: Hannah D. Powell
Email: hpowell@kippcolumbus.org
Board Chair: Chief Judge Algenon L. Marbley
