About KIPPStar
The KIPP SoCal Public Schools Team and Family is dedicated to creating joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare our KIPPsters with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.
The 11th Annual Karsh Family KIPPStar Awards is a time to celebrate and honor the dedication and courage of the entire KIPP SoCal Team and Family. This evening will feature the presentation of the coveted Teachers of the year, SST Team Member of the Year, and School Based Team Member of the Year awards, celebrating KIPP SoCal team members who have inspired and embodied KIPP SoCal's Core Values and Anti-Racist Standards. The evening will also recognize the extraordinary commitment of those who have been with KIPP SoCal for 5, 10, and 15 years, and will end in a celebration in the Upper Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood.
About the Karsh Family
Thank you to the Karsh Family for their continued generosity and unwavering support of KIPP SoCal Public Schools!
Martha and Bruce Karsh are champions of KIPP SoCal and have generously supported our students and schools for more than 16 years. Since Martha and Bruce first walked the halls of KIPP Academy of Opportunity in 2008, they have been captivated by our amazing KIPPsters and the incredible work of our Team and Family. In 1998, Martha and Bruce founded the Karsh Family Foundation focusing its philanthropy on education, community health and social welfare, and the promotion and strengthening of our democracy. As education advocates, they recognize the true value of excellent teachers and have created a fund to help KIPP SoCal celebrate the extraordinary commitment and impact of our Team through the Karsh Family KIPPStar Awards.
Schedule of Events
| Friday, April 26, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Red Carpet Experience & Welcome Reception Kick off our Magical Night of Joyful Excellence with your favorite theme park snacks, beverages, music, and new this year: red carpet moments! | Event Check-In Check-In is mandatory for all KIPPStar guest to receive an admission lanyard. Please give yourself ample time to get through the check-in line and go through park security metal detectors. Look for KIPPStar signs directing you from the Universal Studios Parking Structures to the front gates. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM | 11th Annual Karsh Family KIPPStar Awards Presentation & Program Celebrate a year filled with dedication and full hearts with your fellow KIPP SoCal team. Cheer on your teammates earning KIPPStar Awards and celebrating their 5, 10 and 15 year Anniversaries, as well as the surprise announcements of the 2024 KIPPStar Award winners. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:30 PM | Exclusive After-Party in the Universal Studios Upper Lot Enjoy the magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, share laughs with the Simpson Family in Springfield USA, and enjoy the World-Famous Studio Tour! Our exclusive After-Party will include dinner, dancing, games, and thrills with the entire KIPP SoCal Team & Family! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transportation
We encourage carpooling, ridesharing or using public transportation to get to Universal Studios. Please plan ahead, especially if you intend to enjoy some of the 21+ beverages available. As noted in KIPP SoCal's Employee Handbook Standards of Conduct, this is a KIPP SoCal sponsored event and therefore all Team Members are expected to approach KIPPStar in ways that align with KIPP SoCal's organizational values.
Driving: Parking for KIPPStar will be in the Frankenstein Parking. You will receive a complimentary parking pass a week before the event which you can show on a mobile device or print out for the attendant. Click here for driving directions to the parking structure.
Charter Buses: Bus transportation will be offered from two centrally-located campuses for $10 per person (roundtrip). You can purchase a bus ticket for yourself and your guest (if applicable) when you register for the event. The bus ride will be 1 - 1.5 hours on the way to Universal Studios, and 45 minutes on the way back at the conclusion of KIPPStar. These times are approximate, pending traffic conditions.
Bus Location |
Departure Time from campus |
Departure Time from Universal Studios |
|---|---|---|
Karsh Campus (Iluminar & Sol) |
4:45 PM |
12:30 AM |
KIPP Empower Academy |
4:45 PM |
12:30 AM |
RideShare: If you plan on using Uber/Lyft, you will need to order on your personal account and you will not be reimbursed by KIPP SoCal. Your driver will drop you off at the Ride App Guest Drop-Off & Pickup inside Frankenstein Parking. When you arrive, you'll need to go up one floor to the walkway using the stairs, escalator, or elevator. Then follow the KIPPStar signs to the event check-in. This will be the same spot you will be picked up from when you order your ride back home at the conclusion of KIPPStar.
Metro: Universal Studios Hollywood is accessible by Metro trains & buses. Click here to plan your trip using Metro, for arrival at the Universal/Studio City Station. The new Metro pedestrian bridge, located at the corner of Lankershim and Universal Hollywood Drive, provides safe and easy access from the Universal City Red Line and Bus Stations.
KIPPStar FAQs
When is the last day to register for KIPPStar?
Registration will close at 11:59 pm on Friday, April 12. You must be registered in order to attend.
Is it mandatory to attend the Karsh Family KIPPStar Awards?
We hope that all KIPP SoCal Team Members attend KIPPStar, but it is not mandatory. The event is outside of work hours, therefore attendance is voluntary and will not be compensated with time paid.
Can I bring a guest to the event?
Yes! Each team member is allowed one guest for a subsidized cost of $200. You must register your guest and pay in advance when you register yourself. All guests must be 21+ and bring their photo ID.
Why has the guest price ticket increased this year?
KIPP SoCal's generous donor contributions make it possible to host KIPPStar each year, which includes complimentary tickets for all of our regional team and family. In addition, KIPP SoCal subsidizes the (optional) ticket price for one guest per person. Due to significant inflation and rising event costs, we have made the necessary decision to increase the price of KIPPStar guest tickets to continue covering 50% of the increased full cost of attendance. As. reminder, each guest ticket ($200) includes admission to our private event at Universal Studios, unlimited food and beverages throughout the night, parking, rides, entertainment, and more.
Can I pay for my guest at the event?
No. You must register and pay in advance when you register yourself. No guests will be permitted to register on site.
What is the dress code?
Come ready for theme park fun! Casual dress (and KIPP swag) is welcome and comfortable shoes are encouraged. Be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand to dress accordingly, as the event will take place outdoors - rain or shine!
What can I bring inside Universal Studios?
Small purses or bags are permissible, but are subject to search upon entry. Clear bags (like the one you received at KIPPtastic!) will expedite your time at the Front Gate security checkpoint and at each attraction. Click here to read more about the security policy and restrictions at Universal Studios.
Will there be food options available for those with dietary restrictions?
We have worked closely with the catering team at Universal Studios to make sure there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. If you have specific allergies or dietary restrictions, please list them under the special accommodations question when you register.
Are you set up to meet my accessibility needs at the event?
KIPP SoCal strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Should you have any specific accommodation requests, please list them under the special accommodations question when you register. In addition, you can find ride information for the attractions here.
Will I need to show a ticket to enter the event?
No, there will not be any physical tickets for this event. As long as you register and receive a confirmation email, you will be able to check in when you arrive, however please make sure to bring your photo ID.
Can I bring any pets to the event?
No, pets are not allowed at the event. Any service pets must be approved ahead of time by emailing kippsocal@bdi-events.com.
Are there any COVID-19 protocols?
Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of all attendees. Masking indoors and/or outdoors is optional for all team members, masks will be available at the event registration desk if you would like one. Please do not attend KIPPStar if you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 or are under isolation/quarantine orders, and please wear a mask if you have been in close contact with anyone who has COVID-19 or any COVID-19 symptoms.
Countdown to KIPPStar