In 1994, two Teach For America corps members, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, launched an experiment in Houston, Texas with 47 fifth graders. They started with a radical belief: that all students, regardless of their background or zip code, deserve and can achieve an excellent education. What began in a single classroom has grown into KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), a national network of 279 tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools serving nearly 125,000 students and their families across 28 regions in the United States.
KIPP's approach is built on high expectations, extended learning time, and a deep partnership between families and teachers. The organization operates with a 'Team and Family' philosophy that emphasizes character development alongside academic rigor. Beyond the classroom, KIPP supports students through college and beyond with KIPP Forward, a comprehensive alumni support program. From those first 47 students in Houston to a nationwide network of over 16,000 educators, KIPP has remained focused on one goal: helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create the future they desire and deserve.
