KIPP

Bianca Hand

Having moved here from Newark, New Jersey just shy of a decade ago, Bianca Hand has had to overcome some hurdles early on but has made significant gains since her days of uncertainty—surpassing even her own expectations. Adjusting to a new environment was not easy for Bianca. She didn’t have her friends from Jersey to kick it with and everything here was unfamiliar. The only things that seem to have followed her were her poor grades and low-self-esteem.

Somehow, she had internalized other people’s negativity towards her which made her reluctant to try to be the best she could be. Bianca, now an outstanding student, admits she barely passed fifth grade. “I was below average in everything before coming to Kipp. If it were not for KIPP, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Since starting over in the fifth grade, she began achieving for the first time in her life. Her B grades were soon replaced by A’s and she has since become a confident student—enjoying what success feels like.

She is almost stunned by what she has accomplished. In a few short years Bianca has done so well academically, she has been accepted into six of the best college prep and boarding schools in-state and out-of-state. She has decided to attend Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire this fall. She will continue to work hard and participate in activities such as those at KIPP: National Academic League, volleyball and step team.

Joseph Cole

Joseph Cole is undoubtedly an accomplished student. Fortunate to be raised in a household with the love and support of both parents, he attributes his academic success to their high expectations for him. His hard work has certainly paid off. This 8th grade KIPP student was recently accepted into the Ingenuity Project at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. What an accomplishment for a once reluctant KIPP student. Initially, Joseph did not want to attend KIPP Ujima because of the long hours and challenging workload.

An advanced student since elementary school, Joseph reflects on his education and recalls being pulled out of many of his classes to receive above grade level work. He notes, however, that at KIPP all students are expected to learn and excel together. And if we ever need additional help, our teachers are always there and available to help us. “They have our backs,” he said with confidence.

After becoming use to the long hours of studying, he admits that he now realizes this will ultimately help him when he goes to college and thereafter. He plans to attend an Ivy League school like Princeton, Yale or Stanford after graduating from Poly. Joseph is determined to prove the statistics of Black males wrong.

Although uncertain of his career goals, he is certain that he will be successful enough to give back to his parents all they have given to him. His track record is a good indication of future success. With a 3.5+ grade point average, he has been on the Director’s List (3.70-3.99 GPA), the Distinguished Principal’s List (4.0 GPA) and has perfect attendance.

Harriet Ado

It is no surprise that Harriet Ado, a born leader, has been accepted into her school of choice, the Baltimore School for the Arts for dance. Born in Italy, Harriet moved to the U.S. from Africa in 2nd grade armed with the desire to excel academically. Instantly, she became an honor roll student at her elementary school.

Her parents had instilled in her the urgency of acquiring a great education long before coming to America. For her, education is not an option and can not be compromised. At age 11, her family dynamics changed but she managed to maintain her grades at a time when others would have succumb to their circumstances instead of remaining focused on their future.

Her mother, who now raises her alone, is her source of inspiration and continues to support her academic endeavors. Harriet is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, an honor roll student, the step team captain, dance team co-captain and has perfect attendance at KIPP. She strives for success because she does not want to have to struggle the way her mother does with a limited education.

Insisting her English is still less than perfect, Harriet relies on her teachers to help perfect her minor imperfections. While obviously driven, Harriet is uncertain where she’ll attend college after high school, but aspires to become a doctor—an OBGYN, to be exact. It is her desire to bring forth life and opportunities for young kids. With her determination, there is no doubt that she’ll have the life she envisions for herself.