Released on: November 13, 2007, 10:26 pm

Press Release Author: KIPP Ascend Charter School

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: Over 25 professionals from the Chicagoland area will descend
on KIPP Ascend Charter School, a college-prep middle school in North Lawndale on
Friday, November 16, 2007 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at 715 S Kildare.

Press Release Body: Over 25 professionals from the Chicagoland area will descend on
KIPP Ascend Charter School, a college-prep middle school in North Lawndale on
Friday, November 16, 2007 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at 715 S Kildare. "It is critical
that we expose our students to real people, just like them, who have successfully
completed college and have achieved career success," says School Leader Jim
O'Connor, "it brings the reality of getting to college that much closer." Careers
represented at the fair include an impressive mix of professionals, such as: Rev.
Phil Hilliard: on the team that installed the computer system used to build the B2
Stealth Bomber, Sateria Venable: the first African-American female graduate of
Carnegie Mellon's School of Architecture, and Marlon Smith: an Investment Banker at
Goldman Sachs. Fifth- through eighth-grade students are spending the week learning
about how to dress professionally, ask appropriate questions, and give firm
hand-shakes. Career Day is just one of many "extras" KIPP Ascend students enjoy on
a weekly basis.

Founded in 2003, KIPP Ascend Charter School is a free, public, open-enrollment,
college-prep middle school serving 320 students in Chicago's North Lawndale
neighborhood. 100 percent of KIPP Ascend's students are African-American or
Hispanic, and 90 percent qualify for the federal free and reduced-priced meals
program. Students spend 70 percent more time in class than traditional public
schools, and are subject to high expectations with a relentless focus on results.
KIPP Ascend is proving that the achievement gap can be closed for traditionally
underserved students.

Out of the 463 schools in Chicago with 8th graders that took the ISAT exam, KIPP
Ascend was one of eleven schools ranking first; each reaching 100% achievement in
math. Eight of these schools have selective entrance requirements, while KIPP
Ascend's doors are open to any student. In addition, KIPP's composite scores for
reading, math, and science were the highest in the 24th Ward and in North Lawndale.


KIPP Ascend is one of 57 KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools serving over
14,000 students nationwide. While fewer than 20 percent of low-income students
typically attend college nationally, KIPP's national college matriculation rate
stands at nearly 80 percent for students who complete the eighth grade at KIPP. In
addition, KIPP alumni have earned over $12 million in college scholarships. KIPP's
success in raising student achievement in low-income neighborhoods has been heralded
by national media moguls such as the Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, The New York
Times, Washington Post and ABC World News Tonight.

KIPP Ascend gives hope to students traditionally 'left behind', by putting in the
time, effort, and commitment to help them succeed. School Leader Jim O'Connor
states, "It's exciting to watch the trajectory of our students' lives change, as
they gain access to the skills needed to qualify for the best educational
institutions this nation has to offer."


Web Site: http://www.kippascend.org

Contact Details: Photo shoots and interviews are encouraged!

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Carol Hill, Director of Development,
KIPP Ascend Charter School
Phone 773-533-1770
email chill@kippascend.org
website www.kippascend.org