KIPP Delta is poised to expand from Helena into three additional communities in the Delta, starting with Blytheville, Arkansas, in 2010. By 2019, KIPP Delta will operate K-12 schools in four Delta communities and will serve roughly 15 percent of the students in high-poverty districts in Eastern Arkansas. These schools will double the number of students graduating from high school prepared for four-year colleges and universities.

What is Needed for KIPP Delta to Expand?
KIPP Delta needs to raise approximately $14.4 million over the next seven years to fund the start-up of new schools, sustain our existing schools, and expand our central office to support those schools.

Start-up funds for each new school have been committed by the Walton Family Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Generous support is still needed from corporations, foundations, and local community members who share our belief that providing an excellent choice in public education is vital to ensuring the future success of the Delta region.

How to Get KIPP in Your Community
New sites within the KIPP Delta cluster will be selected through an evaluative RFP process in which applicant communities will be judged against criteria such as:

• Population
• Poverty level of community (at least 70% of students should qualify for Free or Reduced-Price School Lunches)
• Demonstrated need for quality education alternatives
• Sufficient community interest (e.g., parents, students, business leaders, elected officials) exists to meet enrollment targets, fundraising goals, and facility needs

Parents and other key stakeholders interested in bringing KIPP to their community in Eastern Arkansas should contact Scott Shirey, KIPP Delta Executive Director, for more information about the RFP process.