The KIPP Through College program (KTC) works with high school juniors and seniors to identify and earn admission and financial aid to colleges and other post-secondary opportunities. KTC typically supplements the college guidance provided by our alumni’s high schools, offering additional counseling and programming to help them explore and identify best-fit college options.
The college placement process is kicked off by a two-day KIPP Through College Junior Class Retreat, held at Camp Ramapo in Rhinebeck, New York. A ropes course and outdoor challenges foster team-building and leadership development. KIPP Through College staff lead workshops that introduce alumni to key elements of the college application process. During the retreat, students review the KTC College Placement Manual, which serves as a guide for students and parents throughout the college application process. The manual covers key process details including creating college comparison worksheets, financial aid, SAT/ACT test dates, the college application and essay, and teacher recommendations.
During the summer between junior and senior years, rising seniors participate in a college prep program in which they spend three weeks intensively reviewing the college application process, developing their college essay and personal statement, and attending an SAT prep class.
Throughout the college process, KTC provides individual placement counseling, organizes college tours and “Senior Saturday” classes on topics such as writing essays and interviewing, assists alumni in completing college applications and applying for financial aid, facilitates networking with college admission officers, and provides scholarships to pay for college visits.
