At KIPP SoCal, we believe that every student deserves access to the tools, resources, and guidance needed to navigate high school, college, and beyond confidently.
Through KIPP Forward, our students and alumni receive personalized counseling that equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their dreams.
One key aspect of this program is preparing our middle school families for the pivotal transition to high school. The KIPP Forward team hosts annual high school fairs throughout the fall, which are a cornerstone of this effort.
This year, the team hosted fairs at KIPP Adelante, KIPP Philosophers, KIPP Academy of Innovation, KIPP Endeavor, and KIPP Corazón, where we welcomed over 50 neighboring high schools, such as the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Sequoyah School, and Green Dot Public Schools.
"We know that for our students to truly be prepared for their college and career journey, we need to present them with as many opportunities as possible. For our middle school families, exposure and exploration of high school options are important,” said KIPP Forward Associate Director of High School Placement & Postsecondary Match Nicole Gutierrez.
These fairs are more than just informational events—they’re the start of a meaningful journey. As families begin exploring high school options, they start making wishlists and visiting schools, ensuring they make informed decisions.
"High school fairs are a really optimal opportunity for our students and families to know their options before they start applying,” said KIPP Forward High School Placement & Transition Manager Christina Mireles. “This is a great chance for them to find something that fits their needs, which is something we really want for our students and families."
This fall, the team organized four visits to Alliance College-Ready Public Schools and Ednovate high schools. These visits provided valuable insights into diverse educational environments and helped the team envision their future pathways. They also plan to visit additional high schools in the spring.
By fostering exploration and decision-making through events like these, KIPP Forward empowers our KIPPsters to choose schools that align with their academic goals and personal aspirations. It’s all part of our commitment to ensuring students are prepared and confident as they take their next steps toward a bright future.