KIPP Forward
KIPP uniquely supports students and alumni through college, career, and beyond.
On this page:
At KIPP, we know high school graduation is just the first step. KIPP Forward is our best-in-class college and career readiness program, designed to ensure students are prepared not just to graduate high school, but to thrive in the paths they choose beyond it. Beginning in high school and continuing through college and early careers, students receive personalized, one-on-one advising, along with support navigating college admissions, financial aid, and career opportunities.
KIPP Forward
By the Numbers
The KIPP Forward Approach
College-Prep & Planning
A strong college-prep academic experience is at the heart of every KIPP school. Beginning in high school, students and families also receive personalized guidance to plan for life after graduation. Whether applying to college or pursuing a high-quality career pathway, we offer one-on-one advising, support with college and financial aid applications, and exposure to a wide range of postsecondary options. KIPP Forward counselors help students build clear, actionable plans and support them to follow through.
Career Guidance
Support doesn’t stop at high school graduation. Through KIPP Forward, counselors work with alumni to explore career pathways, match college coursework to career goals, earn internships and job opportunities, and build the skills needed for long-term success. Along the way, KIPP helps alumni navigate the academic, financial, and personal challenges that can arise in early adulthood, supporting them to stay on track toward meaningful careers and fulfilling lives.
How KIPP Forward Works
What makes KIPP unique is our long-term commitment: counselors partner with students in high school to turn their aspirations into actionable plans, then stay connected after graduation. Our KIPP Forward team supports our recent alumni as they navigate academic, financial, and personal challenges on the path to a fulfilling life aligned with their dreams and career goals.
1:1 Advising
Dedicated one-on-one advising: Primary contact post-graduation and regular check-ins
Academic Guidance
Keep students on track in post-secondary programs by creating course roadmaps and referring to resources like on-campus tutoring
Career Support
We support with internships, networking events, mentorships, and career planning
Financial Aid Guidance & Support
This includes emergency funds and scholarship/financial aid application help
Social & Emotional Supports
Social & emotional supports such as access to free therapy and community building for alumni via virtual and in-person networking
Application & Enrollment Assistance
Workshops and advising for transfer and enrollment applications
Alumni Spotlights
Today, thousands of KIPP Northern California alumni are making their mark in college, in their careers, and in the world. They are are thriving in diverse and impactful careers, including law, engineering, teaching, emergency services, finance, medicine, computer programming, music, and public health.
Sandra’s Story
“KIPP invested in me, both inside and beyond the classroom. It gave me a sense of possibility and community that still shapes me today.”
Sandra Loyola
The George Washington University Alum
Youth Law Center
Ryan’s Story
“In addition to helping me find my career path, KIPP also helped me build a very strong community and the confidence to find resources on my own.”
Ryan Tran
Current UC San Diego Student
Majoring in cognitive science with a specialization in machine learning
Nafisa’s Story
“My KIPP Forward college counselor played a critical role in supporting me throughout the college application process in high school. As I navigated this new experience, all of the KIPP staff were encouraging as I prepared to attend UCLA.”
Nafisa Adams
UCLA alum
College Access Counselor, SMART
“In middle school, we learned to ‘be kind, be smart, and that you are a team and a family’, and those principles still guide me today.”
Daisy Carmona
UC Riverside Alum
Organizer, Rocketship Public Schools
“The habits I built at KIPP… helped me navigate college life without getting stretched too thin.”
Chloe Wong
USC Student
Majoring in business administration with an emphasis in marketing
Stay Connected with KIPP Forward
KIPP Forward helps alumni stay connected, supported, and informed. KIPP alumni—use the links below to find your advisor, sign up for career updates, follow us on social media, or reach out to the team directly at forward@kippnorcal.org.
Connect on Social Media