Temple has formed a partnership with the national network of public schools KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) in an effort to increase college completion rates for graduates.

“Since its founding, Temple has been dedicated to providing a quality education to students from various backgrounds,” said William Black, Senior Vice Provost of Enrollment Management. “Partnering with the Knowledge Is Power Program gives us an excellent opportunity to identify several highly motivated and ambitious students whose leadership skills will improve the quality of Temple’s community.”

KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. With this partnership, Temple will recruit and enroll between eight and ten qualified graduates from KIPP’s network of 162 schools across the country.

In addition, former KIPP students like Asante Abdullah, FOX ’16, a graduate of KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy, will work with other KIPP graduates who are currently enrolled at Temple to develop an on-campus mentorship program aimed at helping new students navigate college life.

“I’ll help answer questions about which professors are good to take for this class, or where to go to get more involved in African culture on campus,” said Abdullah.

Fourteen KIPP alumni currently attend Temple University, and an additional three KIPP students have graduated from Temple.

Before the partnership agreement between Temple and KIPP was officially established, Debbie Campbell, Vice Dean of the Fox School of Business, worked with KIPP to help its graduates apply to Temple.

“As soon as I found out that KIPP was right up the street at 2709 N. Broad St., I was excited about a possible partnership,” Campbell said. “We’ve worked closely with KIPP over the last few years, so creating an official partnership seemed like a natural next step.”

KIPP was founded in Houston in 1994 and has grown to 162 schools serving more than 59,000 students and with 6,000 alumni. More than 95 percent of students enrolled in KIPP schools are African-American or Latino, and 88 percent qualify for the federal free and reduced-price meals program.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Temple to offer our KIPP students a strong university option right here in our community,” said Marc Mannella, CEO of KIPP Philadelphia schools. “Our KIPPsters are working hard every day to climb the mountain to and through college, and this partnership will provide invaluable support that will help them get there.”