What is the Knowledge is Power Program?

The Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) is a network of free open-enrollment college preparatory public schools in under-resourced communities throughout the United States. At KIPP, there are no shortcuts: outstanding educators, more time in school, a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, and a strong culture of achievement and support help our students make significant academic gains and continue to excel in high school and college.

KIPP began when two Teach for America corps alumni, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin launched an intensive 5th grade program at Houston's Garcia Elementary School. Their students' academic success and interest in learning inspired Feinberg and Levin to expand the program throughout the country. The following year Feinberg founded KIPP Academy Houston and Levin founded KIPP Academy in the South Bronx.

In 2000, Don and Doris Fisher, founders of GAP, Inc., formed a unique partnership with Feinberg and Levin to replicate the success of the two schools. Stemming from the belief that great schools need great leaders, they established a fellowship to recruit, select, and train educators to plan, open, and lead their own KIPP schools. Susan Schaeffler, KIPP DC's founder was in the inaugural class of KIPP Fisher Fellows. Today, there are 82 KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia serving over 21,000 students.