Closing the Wealth Gap: A DC-Area High School's Innovative Approach

The racial wealth gap in the United States is a persistent and pressing issue, with significant disparities in economic opportunities and outcomes between different racial and ethnic groups. In the Washington, D.C. area, one high school is taking a unique approach to address this challenge by implementing an innovative program designed to close the wealth gap for its students. The KIPP DC College Preparatory's NAF Academy of Business is a rigorous three-year finance program that combines classroom instruction with real-world work experience, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern economy.

The program is part of the National Academy Foundation (NAF), a network of career-themed academies that focus on preparing students for college and careers in high-growth industries. The NAF Academy of Business at KIPP DC College Preparatory is one of the most comprehensive and successful programs in the NAF network, with a proven track record of helping students from underserved communities achieve economic success.

One of the key components of the program is its focus on financial literacy and economic empowerment. Students in the NAF Academy of Business learn about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing risk, as well as other topics related to personal finance. This comprehensive approach to financial education helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their money and plan for their financial futures.

In addition to classroom instruction, the program also includes a work-based learning component that provides students with real-world experience in the finance industry. Students have the opportunity to intern with local employers, such as Ernst & Young, the Navy Federal Credit Union, and Verizon, gaining valuable insights into the world of finance and developing the professional skills they need to succeed in the workplace.

The program is funded through a combination of federal and local funding, as well as private donations. The goal of the program is to break cycles of poverty by providing students with the economic knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the modern economy. By empowering students with the tools they need to achieve economic success, the program aims to create a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

The success of the program is evident in the outcomes for its graduates. According to Shavar Jeffries, the CEO of the KIPP Foundation, 100% of the senior class at KIPP DC College Preparatory are accepted into at least one college, a testament to the program's effectiveness in preparing students for higher education and the workforce.

The KIPP DC College Preparatory's NAF Academy of Business is a shining example of how a high school can take a proactive approach to addressing the racial wealth gap. By providing students with the financial literacy and work experience they need to succeed in the modern economy, the program is helping to create a more equitable and prosperous society for all. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it serves as an inspiration for other schools and communities looking to close the wealth gap and create a more prosperous future for all.



In conclusion, the KIPP DC College Preparatory's NAF Academy of Business is a powerful example of how a high school can take a proactive approach to addressing the racial wealth gap. By providing students with the financial literacy and work experience they need to succeed in the modern economy, the program is helping to create a more equitable and prosperous society for all. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it serves as an inspiration for other schools and communities looking to close the wealth gap and create a more prosperous future for all.