Hot Topic
This year we’ve intentionally increased our efforts in engagement, advocacy, and student voice in the areas of safety. For the 3rd year in a row, we co-hosted the Stop the Violence & Increase the Peace Rally at the KIPP DC Benning Campus in Ward 7.
Another project we’re proud to introduce this month is A Mile in My Shoes. This project creates an opportunity for our KIPP DC College Preparatory students to walk with D.C. Councilmembers and civic leaders to and from school in order to improve safe passage, communication, and ultimately give students agency to be their own advocates. In conjunction, this November we’ll be will be hosting a student-led Stop the Violence Increase the Peace ThinkTank. Please check @KIPP_DC for additional details coming this month.
In addition to our work in engagement, advocacy, and student voice we were excited to host our annual KIPP DC College Fair. The College Fair created an opportunity for students from across the DC to come and learn from admission counselors and financial aid officers from 65 colleges and universities. I was there with my own family and was blown away by the attendance of students & families from all over the city. With the guidance of the KIPP Through College & Career team, we had the benefit of learning exactly what recruiters are looking for in applicants. Students left that session assured and ready to ask some tough questions of the college representatives.
See you in the community this October,
Althea Holford
Managing Director, Community Relations
Around Town
Stop the Violence, Increase the Peace Rally
Big thanks to all who joined us at KIPP DC’s Benning Campus for the 3rd annual “Stop the Violence & Increase the Peace” rally! The walk was organized in partnership with Ms. Veeda Rasheed and brought together a host of community organizations, clubs, churches, and families for a peaceful rally through D.C.’s Ward 7. The rally ended at the Benning Boys and Girls Club where we heard remarks from at-large Councilmember Elissa Silverman, Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray, and Metropolitan Police Department Sixth District Commander Durriyyah Habeebullah on the importance of stopping violence in the community. Shout-out to Ms. Ciara Hosein and members of Mayor Barry Youth Leadership Institute for also being vital parts of the rally. Check out more photos here.
KIPP Codes Graduation
This month we celebrated our first class of KIPP Codes graduates! The free ten-week intensive coding boot camp was open to Ward 7 & Ward 8 residents and introduced students to the basics of coding and prototyping. The graduation event was attended by interim Deputy Mayor for Education Ahnna Smith – who also spoke to graduates about their hard work and dedication to the KIPP Codes program.
7th Annual KIPP DC College Fair
We’ve got college on the brain! More than 300 students, 65 colleges and universities, and countless community members packed the KIPP DC College Preparatory gymnasium for the 7th annual KIPP DC College Fair on Saturday, September 22. Students, families, and members of the community got the opportunity to speak directly with admissions counselors, learn about financial aid options, and attend a college-readiness session to gain more information about the college admission process. We look forward to seeing the class of 2019’s journey to and through college & career!
Ward 7 Day
A little rain didn’t stop the fun and excitement we had engaging with so many of our Ward 7 neighbors at the 2nd annual Ward 7 Day. The day was filled with meeting new faces, sharing critical resources, and celebrating a new year with Ward 7 families. We look forward to more opportunities to engage with our community this school year!
Voter Registration begins at KIPP DC
This fall we’ve been working hard getting students, families, and community members registered to vote! Throughout the month, we set up re-registration booths, enrolled members of the KIPP DC College Preparatory senior class, and talked about the importance of participating in the voting process. Students even took to the streets to assist in registering community members. We’re eager to continue this work up until Election Day!
