KIPP Atlanta Schools announced it received a $35,000 grant from Delta Air Lines in late August to expand college and career readiness opportunities for students across its network.
Dr. Michael Cormack Jr., chief executive officer of KIPP Atlanta Schools, said Delta continues to demonstrate what it means to be a community partner by supporting programs that prepare scholars for success beyond high school, inspire academic excellence, and broaden future possibilities.
“This investment will help expand opportunities that empower our scholars to discover their passions, build meaningful career pathways, and realize their full potential,” Cormack said. “We are grateful for Delta’s continued belief in our scholars and in the transformative power of education.”
Grant to Atlanta charter network
The grant will strengthen two signature KIPP Atlanta Schools initiatives that help scholars prepare for life beyond high school, according to the August announcement.
KIPP Forward equips students and alumni with resources to succeed through individualized college advising, career planning, internships, job-shadowing experiences, entrepreneurship opportunities, and personalized postsecondary support.
The investment will also enhance Best of KIPP, a signature series of academic, arts, leadership, and enrichment experiences that celebrate scholar achievement while encouraging creativity, leadership, global awareness and personal growth.
KIPP Atlanta Schools is an open-enrollment network of nine charter schools serving more than 4,500 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has educated thousands of students and supports over 2,000 alumni.
The tuition-free charter schools are located in the cities of Atlanta and East Point and partner with Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools.
Delta Air Lines has partnered with KIPP Atlanta Schools for more than a decade, investing in employee volunteerism, career exploration, and mentorship. Examples include supporting scholars through the Delta Summer Aviation Program to serving as a longtime partner of Night of Impact.
Allison Marques, general manager of community engagement at Delta Air Lines said the Atlanta-based global airline invests in KIPP because “a young person’s potential needs opportunity.”
“Some of tomorrow’s pilots, engineers, and leaders are sitting in these classrooms right now,” Marques said. “They deserve to see what their world could be, and we’re proud to build that runway.”
