Member Spotlight
Dr. Erin Almond, KIPP Through College Program, Jacksonville (FL)
When Dr. Erin Almond started with KIPP Jacksonville in 2013, she spent a lot of time listening to students and parents to understand what was important to them in regard to their education beyond KIPP so that she could provide the best counseling and transition experience.
Dr. Almond’s work has evolved quite a bit since then. As the Director of KIPP Jacksonville’s KIPP Through College (KTC) program, Dr. Almond leads a team to support our recent alumni in high school, as well as our college-aged alumni, to ensure that they are equipped to pursue the paths they choose–college, career, and beyond.
Additionally, Dr. Almond manages college partnerships that enable KIPP to provide additional levels of support for students and looks forward to how the KIPP Jacksonville KTC program can expand. This year as KIPP Jacksonville plans to open KIPP Bold City HIgh School, she and her team are working to plan ways to extend the runway for postsecondary access by providing targeted programming in 9th grade.
In addition to leading the KIPP Through College team, this year she worked closely with regional leadership to support equity initiatives, including helping to lead an equity team that was charged with creating an inclusive process to define the first KIPP Jacksonville Regional Equity Vision. Dr. Almond views this equity work as deeply important and necessary in ensuring that students have an experience at school where they are seen, valued, and affirmed.
Dr. Almond earned her Doctorate in educational leadership with a concentration in organizational leadership. Her dream is to be able to take this work and build strategic partnerships within the community to further college access for all students.
“I have a deep love and respect for our students and their families. I view our role as one that helps them to see the array of opportunities available, and helps them overcome obstacles that may prevent them from being able to pursue those opportunities.”