Lynn, MA – July 27th 2020 – KIPP Massachusetts announced today that it has received grant funds from American Student Assistance (ASA), which is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping students make informed choices about their education and career goals. KIPP Massachusetts’ two middle schools, KIPP Academy Boston and KIPP Academy Lynn, both received three year grants of $50,000 to both expand their Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program as well as introduce STEM career related field experiences through school fairs and field trips. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science.
“ASA wants to expand opportunities for young people to explore a range of courses and career options, regardless of interruptions in the learning environment,” said Jean Eddy, President and CEO. “We are thrilled to support Massachusetts schools and educators as they energize and inspire middle schoolers and help them chart paths for their futures.”
KIPP Academy Lynn and KIPP Academy Boston are just two of 6 schools across Massachusetts to receive the grant. KIPP plans to use the grant funds to expand their PTLW program, support STEM related career fairs, and STEM related career field trips. This expansion of Project Lead the Way, including an
increased focus on career exploration, will help over 1,000 KIPPsters explore their career interests and give them the STEM knowledge and problem-solving skills to be successful in high school, college, and beyond.
“This grant will allow us to create a more rigorous and engaging STEM program that will authentically connect students to the careers of the future. Through teacher preparation, engineering curriculum supplies, and connections with industry professionals, this grant will provide further opportunities for our students to develop their critical consciousness and lead impactful, fulfilling lives,” explains Rhonda “Nikki” Barnes, Executive Director of KIPP Massachusetts.
Read the full press release from ASA here.
About American Student Assistance (ASA)
ASA’s mission is to help students know themselves, know their options, and make informed decisions to achieve their education and career goals. They fulfill their mission by providing tools and resources to students online, in classrooms, and through community-based organizations. ASA is committed to helping students through exploring education and career options starting in middle school, experiment through hands-on opportunities, and execute a plan to meet their goals. ASA’s innovative programs and partnerships, combined with a robust research agenda and advocacy platform, enable them to provide meaningful impact to young people on a national scale. For more information on ASA, visit https://www.asa.org.
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 12,200 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
About KIPP Massachusetts
KIPP Massachusetts is part of a non-profit network of college preparatory, public charter schools educating elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP MA operates five public charter schools across Boston and Lynn, serving more than 2,000 students in grades K-12. KIPP MA has a 15-year track record of preparing students in educationally under-served communities for success in college and life.
About KIPP
KIPP is a non-profit network of college-preparatory public charter schools educating elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP schools are part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students. There are 242 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia educating over 100,000 students on their path to and through college, careers, and life. KIPP believes that great teachers and school leaders, a supportive learning environment, and an emphasis on both academics and character are the foundation for student success. KIPP students complete college at a rate that is above the national average for all students and four times higher than that of students from similar economic backgrounds.
