Our KIPP Forward program (formerly KIPP Through College) is known for providing resources, opportunities, and support systems that prepare every student for post-secondary education and celebrates all paths our KIPPsters’ vision for a fulfilling life.
Every year, the KIPP Forward Scholarship Fund awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to KIPP SoCal alums entering college to help offset some of their college expenses and support their college journey. Scholarships range from $500 for students attending a two-year community college to $1,000 for students attending a four-year university.
Scholarship recipients are chosen by an external selection committee that considers the student's character, leadership development, and KIPP Forward involvement. Students who meet the eligibility criteria can also reapply the following academic year.
Meet Our 2023 Recipients
Yicmakyahuw A.
KIPP Scholar Academy
Cal State Los Angeles
“I knew firsthand the challenges that low-income students faced, and KIPP Forward was passionate about helping me overcome these obstacles of being from a low-income background and achieve my dreams.”
Jose B.
KIPP Los Angeles College Preparatory
Occidental College
“I’ve not only used KIPP Forward services for College Essay Support and monetary support but also as a motivator. I’ve checked in throughout the year with Edgar (KIPP Forward counselor), and I felt sharing my accomplishments and my acceptances throughout the year really motivated me to keep going. I even see KIPP Forward as a mental support by having peace of mind that I have a team of people and counselors in my corner that want to see me succeed. As KIPP Forward was constantly there to remind me I had resources from them to use, and they were only a click or phone call away.”
Nancy C.
KIPP Los Angeles College Preparatory
University of California, Los Angeles
“Even before KIPP Forward, I would always use my resources at KIPP LA Prep. I sometimes felt that I was not getting the help I needed, but KIPP Forward would answer my questions and offer lots of support. I am grateful to have gotten support like KIPP, and I will recommend KIPP to many people.”
Leslie E.
KIPP Academy of Innovation
Cal Poly Pomona
“I just really appreciate the help I’ve received from my counselor and this program. It has helped prepare me for both my high school and college journey. It seems like they really care about us students and want us to succeed and have access to better opportunities and a better future.”
Adoniah F.
KIPP Scholar Academy
Grambling State University
“I’ve utilized KIPP Forward resources by going to the virtual events and workshops that would help me prepare for the college application process and college life.”
Tyrone G.
KIPP Philosophers Academy
University of California, San Diego
“My KIPP Forward counselor focused on holistic support in supporting me, not only to become an aspiring college student, but as a person of good character, and a future community leader. While in college, I intend to seek out the KIPP Forward program for support. The KIPP Forward program's ultimate goal is to make sure I not only matriculate through college but to graduate and start my career as the next great computer engineer that works for companies such as Intel, Hewlett-Packard, or IBM.”
Sheldon H.
KIPP Philosophers Academy
University of California, Merced
“I've acquired priceless information regarding the college admissions process and have had my applications, as well as essays, reviewed by my counselor. The mentorship of the KIPP Forward program has instilled in me the confidence and skills required to hold leadership positions in school organizations, such as Link Crew Leader, where upperclassmen help incoming freshmen become acclimated to the campus, Associated Student Body, where I am the Sports Commissioner facilitating athletic events and the Black Student Union, where I am the Parliamentarian.”
Wendy I.
KIPP Sol Academy
Wingate University
“Working with KIPP Forward has helped me get rid of the majority of my college ‘butterflies in my stomach’ by guiding me through every step of the way and learning more about colleges I would thrive in. To this day, KIPP Forward has helped me stay in touch with my fellow classmates from Sol, which has been the best part.”
Salomon L.
KIPP Los Angeles College Preparatory
Cal State Northridge
“I will always be grateful to the KIPP Forward program for helping me prepare to apply to college and supporting me throughout. There were not many resources that I felt really cared for me in helping me make a good transition from high school to college, but KIPP Forward did.”
Angela M.
KIPP Los Angeles College Preparatory
University of California, Irvine
“With all the help and support I have received from KIPP Forward, I feel prepared and excited to go to college.”
Daisy M.
KIPP Los Angeles College Preparatory
University of California, Irvine
“As a first-generation college student, at first, I had no idea what I was doing. However, that all changed when KIPP Forward and my counselor Victor Martinez started reaching out. I remember feeling surprised and excited when I got the emails offering free-of-charge services just for being KIPP alumni.”
Julian M.
KIPP Scholar Academy
University of California, Los Angeles
“KIPP Forward has been incredibly helpful to me in my educational journey. I encourage my friends who also went to KSA with me to take advantage of these resources and opportunities as well since I know it'd be a great help for them.”
Gabriela N.
KIPP Los Angeles College Preparatory
University of California, Los Angeles
“KIPP Forwards was there for me when I felt uncertain about my choices.”
Joshua P.
KIPP Academy of Innovation
University of California, Santa Cruz
“I am grateful to have had KIPP Forward by my side throughout all four years, providing constant support and guidance. With the help of KIPP Forward, I have been able to explore not only my career interest in consulting but also discover my passion for equitable education. Their commitment to providing me with unique opportunities allowed me to broaden my network and gain valuable skills and experiences that will undoubtedly shape my future.”
Hazel P.
KIPP Sol Academy
Pitzer College
“The KIPP counselors have made me feel secure in the fact that they will stay committed to helping me with my education. Having them tell me that their mission is to see fellow KIPPsters succeed in their educational journey is reassuring.”
Alonso S.
KIPP Academy of Opportunity
Lehigh University
“The simple presence of knowing I had such great help by my side during my college applications helped me emotionally through stress and problems that occurred. I was able to complete the application problems with not many problems because KIPP was able to help me complete things, ensure I turned things in on time, and that I even turned in the right things. I am so glad to have been able to be a part of the KIPP community, as my future career can now sail more smoothly with the help of these services.”
Elvira S.
KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy
University of California, Irvine
“All in all, KIPP Forward has given me many resources and opportunities to explore my options and career interests. These resources have eased my process into college and ensured I further my education as a first-generation Latina.”
Valorie S.
KIPP Academy of Innovation
Grand Canyon University
“Throughout my time at KAI, I saw myself grow and become a little more mature than I was before. I then got accepted to Collegiate Charter Schoo, where I learned that I just had to be myself and not the girl everyone wanted me to be. I never thought I would be attending college at all because I wasn't motivated, and I thought there was nothing there. Yet here I am, writing an essay for a scholarship because I will be attending college at Grand Canyon University.”
Nareth T.
KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy
John Hopkins University
“[My parents] learned that KIPP not only implemented the idea of college in its students but supported its students after graduating from middle school. Ever since then, KIPP has lived up to its promise. Without KIPP Forward, I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have now.”
Destiny T.
KIPP Academy of Opportunity
George Washington University
“Overall, the support and guidance I received from both Juan and Karen (KF counselors) were instrumental in my success. They believed in me and provided the resources and encouragement I needed to thrive. My experience in working with KIPP Forward has taught me the importance of having a strong support system and seeking help when needed.”
Maritza T.
KIPP Academy of Innovation
University of California, Los Angeles
“While I would not necessarily address my KIPP counselor as a ‘utilized service,’ she has been one of the most contributive people I have ever encountered. She has genuinely cared about my education and me as someone more than just a student, but a person. Her commitment to getting me from high school to college is admirable and well-appreciated. Resources like these have given me advantages that I would not have been aware of had it not been for KIPP Forward. The resources, just as the opportunities, have enhanced the quality of my education in a way that no program has.”
Amy V.
KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy
San Diego Community College
“KIPP Forward has been very useful as having help throughout my high school experience and onto college and the future oncoming years. I am so grateful to be able to have access to such resources and help.”