By the time MiKenna started high school, she had already been at KIPP since fifth grade. She was thinking about college and doing her research when she stumbled upon Kentucky State University, a place she now says feels like “we took KIPP and turned it into a university.”
“I feel so comfortable here. At KIPP, teachers knew me, and I’m already getting to know my professors here, too.”
MiKenna says the fact that Kentucky State University is an HBCU with small class sizes and is “far, but close enough”, sealed the deal.
“I’ve known from the jump that I’ve wanted to go to an HBCU. I never thought about going to a predominantly white institution. I love my culture. I love Black people, and when we’re all together, it’s so much excellence and joy.”
MiKenna, who’s barely four weeks into freshman year, says the transition has been easier than she expected.
“KIPP Forward really helped me prepare my mindset and prepare for the practical side of college. Like how the work study program goes, and how to make a payment. I knew KIPP has always been different, but I didn’t think it was that different until I realized other people don’t have that kind of support.”
Thanks to taking multiple AP classes while at KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School, MiKenna has been able to jump start her college career taking higher level classes than most freshmen.
“I feel like I’m a little bit ahead of the game. I see a very clear difference in how KIPP has taught me how to process information and so I’m so grateful. Like I showed up here and I’m like let’s get to work. I was excited to go to class, people thought I was crazy for saying that.”
MiKenna plans to major in elementary education and hopes to become an elementary school teacher after she graduates.
