Helping Transition to College 15 KIPP Students Receive 2020 Amplify Scholarship in Partnership with iMentor

 

New York, NY– May 1, 2020 – Today, iMentor and KIPP, a network of public charter schools, are announcing the 2020 winners of the Amplify Scholarship Program, which provides KIPP students and alumni with support in the transition to college. The winners will receive about $14,000 each to cover additional expenses during college.

Watch the students reaction to winning on camera as their college counselors reveal the big news here.

“Our partnership with iMentor continues to cultivate a new generation of changemakers,” said Richard Barth, CEO of the KIPP Foundation. “The Amplify Scholarship allows our students to grow professionally through mentorship and focus on their learning experience without having to carry the financial burden of non-tuition expenses especially during this uncertain time.”

KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) partnered with iMentor to match students who are first generation college-goers with a mentor. KIPP currently operates 242 public charter schools educating more than 100,000 students across 20 states and the District of Columbia. KIPP students graduate from college at a rate that is above the national average for all students and approximately three times the average for students from similar economic backgrounds nationwide.

The Amplify Scholarship Program Scholars will receive the following:

• $3,500 stipend for school year support.
• $8,000 in summer expenses.
• $1,500 one-time technology stipend that covers a new computer for schoolwork.
• $1,000 annual stipend for amenities like books and clothing.
• An “Amplify Mentor” – someone warm, wise, and committed to your success – with whom we hope you’ll forge a lifelong bond.

“The Amplify scholarship allows me to have the opportunity to go to college and have the career I have always hoped for. Not only is the financial aspect of the scholarship beneficial but the mentors and resources allow me to ask for help when needed so that I can succeed. Getting this scholarship means that I have an opportunity that not many people in my family or community have had before,” said Demitra Theard, senior at KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy.

This annual scholarship program is open to all rising KIPP seniors with a record of strong academic achievement who exemplify excellent leadership skills, resilience, a belief in the power of relationships and a commitment to helping others and the world at large.

“We’re excited to announce our second cohort of Amplify Scholars. This group of KIPP students embodies many of the core values of iMentor – demonstrating excellence, leadership, and a commitment to the power of relationships to transform our society.  Each student has a unique story and we are thrilled to support these graduating high school seniors as they continue to and through college,” said Mike O’Brien, CEO of iMentor. “I look forward to seeing how our scholars use the skills they develop to impact their communities.”

iMentor will work closely with staff from the KIPP Through College program to ensure scholars are building the knowledge, skills and mindsets necessary to thrive in college and beyond. While in college, Amplify scholars will receive guidance from an iMentor program manager, work one-on-one with a volunteer mentor who will support scholars through their educational and professional pathways, and benefit from the iMentor community to learn about summer internships, scholarship stipends, and career opportunities.

About KIPP

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of 242 public charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. KIPP schools are part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students. Started in 1994 as a middle school program, KIPP has since expanded to enroll over 100,000 students in all grades from PreK through high school. Nationwide, KIPP students complete their bachelor’s degree at a rate of 35 percent, comparable to the national average for all students and approximately three times higher than the average for students from low-income families.

About iMentor

iMentor builds mentoring relationships that empower first-generation students from low-income communities to graduate high school, succeed in college, and achieve their ambitions. iMentor was founded in 1999 by John Griffin, Richard Buery and Matt Klein. Launched with just 49 students in a single school in the South Bronx, today, since its founding in 1999 iMentor has served more than 33,000 students through our direct-service programs in Baltimore, the Bay Area, Chicago, and New York City, and through our partnerships with local non-profit organizations that implement our model in communities across the country. Learn more about iMentor HERE.

Photos and student quotes are also available for use upon request.