IPP Columbus, the only set of KIPP schools in Ohio, was founded in 2008 with 50 students in the 5th grade. The KIPP Columbus Learning Campus opened in 2014 on a 125-acre (and growing) state-of-the-art urban landscape educating more than 2,000 students (from infancy to 12th grade) — an increase of 4,000 percent in only six years. With a mission to, together with families and the community, create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose — college, career and beyond — KIPP has maintained excellence in its growth and will improve upon that standard, proving what is possible in public education.
Thanks to a generous donation from PLASKOLITE, nearly twice as many central Ohio students will have opportunities for academic excellence and future success. KIPP Columbus announced plans to double its capacity and grow its already substantial community engagement with a bold expansion of its northeast Columbus, OH, USA campus. The expansion is planned for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. It will include the addition of 240,000 square feet and drive academic excellence and increase community partnerships that support KIPP students, their families and the nearby neighborhoods and beyond.
Among the many community partners coming together to provide capital support for this project is PLAKOLITE, who surprised retired CEO and President Mitch Grindley and his wife Chris Grindley with a generous pledge of US$2 million in their honor. Established in 1950, PLASKOLITE is a manufacturer of thermoplastic sheet and polymers worldwide. Employing roughly 500 individuals, PLASKOLITE has provided career opportunities in Northeast Columbus for nearly 75 years.
For 40 years, Mitch Grindley was a member of the PLASKOLITE team (prior to his retirement in December of 2021) and reminisces fondly on the impact the Dunn family and the company have had not only on his own family, but on the wider community. The generous donation from PLASKOLITE is a gift from the employees and shows their continued engagement and commitment to their community.
Throughout the years, the Grindley family provided significant support to KIPP Columbus, including internship opportunities for students, event sponsorship, laptops for every member of the first graduation class of KIPP Columbus High and thousands of pieces of safety shield, allowing the campus to safely reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As Mitch has truly shown what being a local leader means — striving to build a partnership with a long-standing community business and our schools — we are thankful for his commitment,” said Chief Judge Alegnon Marbley, board chair, KIPP Columbus.
“The Grindleys’ continued loyalty to the PLASKOLITE employees, our family and the community has put PLASKOLITE where it is today. PLASKOLITE would not be the company it is today without their commitment for the past 40 years!” said Jim Dunn, board member, PLASKOLITE.
“We are immensely grateful to the Grindleys for their significant leadership and support — and to PLAKOLITE for the many ways they have invested and engaged in our community and will continue to do so into the future,” added Hannah D. Powell, executive director, KIPP Columbus.