COMMUNITY
October 24, 2019 / 3 minute read
Storming the Field at KIPP Columbus
On October 24, 2019, KIPP ("Knowledge Is Power Program”) Columbus, a free college preparatory public school serving nearly 2,000 students from 6 weeks old through the 12th grade from under-served communities, held a ribbon cutting ceremony at their newly constructed football field in Columbus, OH. The following day, the school’s first class of graduating seniors hosted their first and only home football game. This milestone event was a long time coming and marked the unwavering commitment of school leaders through a number of construction obstacles.
KIPP works with families and communities create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world. Nationally, there are 242 KIPP schools serving more than 100,000 students and more than 12,000 KIPP alumni who are graduating from college at a rate of three times their peers. Founded in 2008 with 50 students in the 5th grade, KIPP Columbus has grown to serve nearly 2,000 students from birth through twelfth grade. The spring of 2020 represents a landmark for KIPP Columbus as they celebrate their first class of graduating seniors from KIPP Columbus High and the first class of graduating college alumni.
When the project first broke ground, contractors quickly discovered six feet of peat, or soil material consisting of decaying plants, below the surface. With its low strength level and high compressibility, contractors knew quickly the peat had to be removed. However, the removal and replacement presented its own challenges, including unexpected associated costs and build time and more importantly, a new way to manage stormwater on the build site given the high water retention of peat.
After hearing about KIPP Columbus’ build issue, Advanced Drainage Systems donated 300 StormTech chambers to build a stormwater retention system below the athletic campus. The system went in fast, enabling construction to continue and eventually finish in time for that one and only home October football game.
Advanced Drainage Systems is proud to be a small part of this milestone for KIPP Columbus as we strive to be a good community partner where our employees live and work.
Go Jaguars!