KIPP Lynn started in 2004 with 77 5th graders. They are now sophomores in high school.
About half of them are at Lynn Public High School, and the other half attend private schools.
We forge a partnership with these schools so we can work together to raise the scholarship funds our students need.
Our alumni currently attend the following schools:
Malden Catholic
St. Mary’s
St. John’s Prep
Phillips Academy Andover
Pingree School
"I struggled a lot. At first, I didn't know how to write my name, but I knew I needed to learn."
At the end of the year, Leandro had made great progress but was not yet ready for 6th grade. The third time he stayed back in 5th grade, he says,
"I learned everything. I was amazed. I could read, write, and speak English"
Leandro had to work hard to learn, but he never complained or gave up. When he looks back, he is amazed he has learned so much.
"I really thank KIPP for that. KIPP is like my second family."
Leandro, now 17, is a freshman at Malden Catholic High School. At the end of his eighth grade year, Diaz received a $10,000 scholarship as part of the Doris Fisher Award, named for the cofounder of Gap Inc., for overcoming challenges to excel in academics, leadership, and character.
He was one of only six students selected from more than 1,000 eligible eighth-graders. The winners were selected by a committee that included Fisher, KIPP's cofounders, and other educators.
Leandro is now a leader in school to his classmates, and still regularly visits KIPP for alumni support and to remain connected. He is still very much on the path to and through college, and he wants to give back to kids like him.
"Immigrants come to this country for a better life, but it is so hard for them. I want to help kids who come from other countries so they know someone cares."
