St. Louis is looking to reclaim its spot as one of the top metropolitan areas in the country. Yet the reality is that over the last 10 years we have lost 30,000 city residents, as people leave the city for jobs and better education. Our charge is clear: we will stem this tide when we have excellent educational opportunities for all kids, regardless of their ZIP codes.  Corps members and alumni are laying the groundwork for that change by helping to improve the quality of education for students throughout St. Louis' low-income communities and building a talent pipeline to energize our city. In KIPP: Inspire Academy, which is largely staffed by our alumni, students advanced from the 8th percentile in math and English to the 39th percentile in one year. Results like these affirm my belief that lasting change can, and must, happen. But we need even more proof points that students growing up in poverty can excel at a level that is rigorous and equal to the top performing students in the state.

St. Louis corps members are embraced and valued by the community. We have a deep level of support from the business and non-profit communities because they recognize the impact corps members and alumni are having on our students. In the city and the surrounding areas, we see a growing movement to help revitalize St. Louis and give all students here the bright futures they deserve.