Press Release: December 27, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carol Harmon, 614/251-4000 x113

The Columbus Foundation Kicks Off Partnership Effort to Secure Support for KIPP School Three year $120,000 challenge grant awarded

Columbus, OH (Dec. 22, 2006)—Over the next three years The Columbus Foundation will invest $120,000 to help fund the start-up costs of KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) public charter schools in Columbus.

KIPP schools are public schools with open enrollment. The program is widely recognized for measured success in its 52 schools across the nation. Since its creation in 1994, KIPP has helped students at-risk make important academic strides in some of the country’s most challenging metropolitan neighborhoods.

“The educational needs of our children is a top concern of The Columbus Foundation,” said Columbus Foundation President & CEO Douglas F. Kridler. “Through this challenge grant, we are happy to signal to others in our community that we believe the KIPP program is a great opportunity for Columbus.”

KIPP has the potential to provide in Columbus a proven model for success at serving a high rate of at-risk students. It will open two schools in underserved Columbus neighborhoods in 2008. Kindergarten and fifth grade will launch the program in 2008 with an additional grade opening every year at each school. A high school will open in 2012, and the first class will graduate in 2016.

The Foundation’s $120,000 grant ($40,000 for each of the next three years 2007, 2008, 2009) will be awarded to The Columbus Partnership. The Partnership has pledged to raise $600,000 in start-up costs in the program’s first three years in Columbus, and is acting as the organizing body for KIPP in central Ohio. Release of The Columbus Foundation grant is contingent on the Partnership raising the remaining $480,000.

"There can be no higher goal for Columbus than to improve the quality of K12 education,” said Les Wexner, chairman of The Columbus Partnership. “KIPP has demonstrated tremendous results in other urban markets serving low income students. We expect the same experience in Columbus." 

“Support of The Columbus Foundation is a validation of the importance of introducing this school model to our community,” said Bob Milbourne, president of The Columbus Partnership.  “We look forward to meeting their challenge with contributions from leading businesses in our region.” 

The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation is serving as the charter sponsor for Columbus KIPP schools. Fordham currently sponsors nine schools and sees quality charter schools as an important reform strategy. The foundation’s work in Ohio has been bolstered by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In addition, KidsOhio.org has been assisting the Columbus Partnership in its efforts to attract and establish the KIPP school in Columbus.

The founders and school leaders of KIPP schools around the United States follow a philosophy of increased time-on-task, high expectations, and a school-wide “no excuses mentality.” Specifically, KIPP students receive 60 to 70 percent more instruction time than typical or traditional public schools, with classes on weekdays until 5 p.m., on every other Saturday, with a school year extending into July.  

The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor to nearly 1,600 individuals, families, and businesses, who have created funds to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the central Ohio region for 64 years, The Columbus Foundation is a resource for philanthropic strategy and community knowledge and is a partner in improving central Ohio. With assets of $1 billion, The Columbus Foundation is one of the ten largest community foundations in the United States today.

For more information about The Columbus Foundation, call 614/251-4000.