Career Planning

KIPP Forward provides access to career development programs and resources for our alumni. There are career planning steps for every level of education and experience.

Career development is the process of finding your footing in your professional life by learning, networking, and skill-building. This process involves assessing where you are now compared to where you want to be and creating a plan to get there. Career development doesn’t start after college/a certificate program. It can and should be a process that you work through continuously.

Exploration
(Year 1 after high school)

Join an organization/club related to career field
Complete an informational interview with someone in career of choice
Be able to clearly articulate strengths, areas for growth, & values
Research the steps required & earnings for career paths of interest

Preparation
(Year 2 after high school)

Build a robust LinkedIn profile & share with network to endorse skills
Have completed or on track to complete an internship after the summer of sophomore year
Visit career hubs such as campus career centers or local community centers

Launch
(Years 3+ after high school)

Have a current resume & be comfortable tailoring it based on job search
Have a practiced elevator pitch
Apply for paid summer internships with Accenture Summer Internships or KIPP Forward’s RSO Alumni Internship Program (AIP)

Career Development Programs

Braven Career Accelerator at SJSU & SFSU

This course is a vibrant learning experience that gives you the roadmap and tools to channel your ambition and hard work. Open to all undergraduate students (no major requirement). Click here to learn more.

Mentorship & Networking from Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT)

The Ascend: Career Accelerator (ACA) Program is specifically designed for low-income and/or first generation (LIFG) college freshmen who have demonstrated strong academic performance and a desire to achieve their ambitious professional goals through business or technology careers. ACA personalized and unique programming and coaching will prepare Scholars to successfully build their professional tool kit by exploring and identifying their business or technology interests as well as building their network through connections with peers and industry experts. Learn more here!

Internship Programs

Accenture Summer Internships (Paid)

Join the Accenture team at a leading global professional services company! Summer Analysts (college students) & Apprentices (HS graduates) work in business & technology consulting roles. Application has closed. Check back January 2027!

KIPP RSO Alumni Internship Program (AIP) (Paid)

Designed to help jumpstart KIPP alumni careers by providing exposure to a variety of paid internships across business fields. Open to all alumni enrolled in a postsecondary program & located in the Bay Area for the summer. Application has closed. Check back February 2027!

Kaiser Permanente Launch (KP Launch) (Paid)

Interns are provided with work experience that expose them to administrative and supporting careers in health care environments. For alumni currently enrolled in a community college, four-year undergraduate college or university, vocational or trade school at the time of application within one academic year. Application has closed. Check back Winter 2026!

Questions about any of the above programs?

Contact Kyra A. Green, Associate Director of Postsecondary and Career Success at kyra.green@kippnorcal.org

KIPP Forward Resources

If you are 3+ years post-high school or actively seeking jobs, internships & career development. Sign up for the KIPP Forward Career Newsletter.

As a leadership development organization, LEE supports leaders to engage civically and increase access and opportunity in their communities. Grow your career, expand your network, take action. Join here—membership is free for KIPP NorCal alumni!

Questions about KIPP Forward Resources?