Giving Compass' Take:

• The San Antonio Independent School District partnered with Mark Larson, who oversees the KIPP charter schools in San Antonio, to share strategies on how best to get low-income students into college. 

• Can more charter-district school partnerships expand across the nation? What is the significance of this type of resource sharing and peer-to-peer learning in education?

• Read about the ways to get low-income students through college. 


Looking to boost graduation rates, KIPP charter school officials have entered into a partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio aimed at helping first-generation college students cross the finish line.

The partnership, starting with the 2014-15 school year, aims to have 60 percent of KIPP alumni going to UTSA graduate within six years. About 15 KIPP students will form a group on the campus, which school officials said will enable them to help each other acclimate to college life.

The group will also have a chance to connect with a KIPP college ambassador whose role will include helping students troubleshoot common college dilemmas, officials said.

UTSA is launching a separate graduation effort called First Year Experience, also intended to help keep students on track. Jude Valdez, vice president for community services at UTSA, said the program will be available to all incoming freshmen and include an “academic inquiry course” that gives students an understanding of what to expect in college as well as mentoring opportunities and an academic adviser.

KIPP San Antonio CEO Mark Larson said navigating basic issues — from financial aid questions to textbook purchases — can be easier for students whose parents have been through college and know the process.

Read the full article about charter and district schools share strategies by Maria Cesar at KIPP.