Not too long ago, a member of New Generation of African American Philanthropists visited KIPP Charlotte—the Knowledge Is Power Program—a free, open-enrollment, college preparatory school, serving students from 5th to 8th grade. Along a hallway wall, large yellow sheets charted students’ thoughts on philanthropy. In awe of the questions and the written responses of students, she snapped these photographs.

The co-founders of KIPP Charlotte, Tiffany Washington and Keith Burnam, are featured through stories and photography in Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists. Here’s more about their school from its website:

“Ninety-three (93) percent of KIPP Charlotte students are African American, 4 percent Latino/Hispanic, 2 percent Multiracial, and 1 percent Caucasian. Over 70 percent qualify for the free and reduced meal program. KIPP Charlotte serves communities that are traditionally underserved and marginalized in education.

“The mission of KIPP Charlotte is to prepare all of our students to excel in the nation’s finest high schools and colleges by cultivating the habits of mind, character skills, and knowledge necessary for their success. We provide an education that will enable our students to lead full lives and empower our graduates to be the future leaders of Charlotte and agents of change in the world beyond.”

With KIPPsters in the world, our future looks to be in excellent hands.

— VF