10th Annual Karsh Family KIPPStar Awards

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 10th Annual Karsh Family KIPPStar Awards is a time to celebrate and honor the dedication and courage of our KIPP SoCal Team and Family. This evening will feature the presentation of the coveted KIPPStar Awards, celebrating KIPP SoCal team members who have inspired and embodied KIPP SoCal’s Core Values: Leading with Love; Equity and Excellence; Strength in the Collective; Courage and Integrity; Learn and Grow, and will recognize the extraordinary commitment of those who have been with KIPP SoCal for 5, 10, and 15 years.

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 over 15 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.

6:15 PM: Arrivals & Event Check-In

7:00 PM: 10th Annual Karsh Family KIPPStar Awards Presentation & Program

8:30 PM: Exclusive After Party in the Universal Studios Hollywood Lower Lot, featuring dinner, refreshments, dancing, and thrills in the brand-new Super Nintendo World, The Mummy, Transformers, and much more!

Attire: Please Dress for Theme Park Fun!

Charter Buses: Optional bus transportation will be provided from two centrally-located campuses.

Cost: $10 per person - roundtrip

Tickets may be purchased during registration in the “Transportation” section.

Uber/Lyft: If you plan on using Uber/Lyft/rideshare, you will need to order on your personal account and you will not be reimbursed by KIPP SoCal. Please instruct your driver to pick up/drop off at the flagpole turnaround near Frankenstein Valet and then proceed to the Main Entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Personal Vehicle: If you plan on driving, you will receive a complimentary parking pass to present at the entrance to the Frankenstein self-parking garage. The pass will be e-mailed the week of the event, and you can either print it out or show it on your mobile device when entering the lot that evening.

Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of all attendees. To do so, we will follow the KIPP SoCal COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines at the time of the event. As of April 11, this includes the following protocols:

- Upon arrival to KIPPStar, ALL attendees will be required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 rapid test (via photo on their phone)

- Attendees should take the test no more than 24 hours in advance of the event (same day is recommended)

- Team members will pick up their Covid-19 test kit from their school's office or the SST the week of KIPPStar, beginning on April 24

- Team members who are bringing guests can give their guests the second test in their kit to use before arriving to KIPPStar

When is the Registration deadline? Please register no later than Monday, April 17, 2023.

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. If you plan on attending, registration is required. Please RSVP no later than Monday, April 17.

What is the event dress code? Come ready for theme park fun! Casual dress is welcome and comfortable shoes encouraged. Be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand to dress accordingly, as the event will take place primarily outdoors - rain or shine!

What can I bring inside Universal Studios? Small purses or bags are permissible, but they are subject to search upon entry. Clear bags will help expedite your time at the Front Gate security checkpoint.

Can I bring a guest to the event? Yes! Each team member is allowed one guest for a subsidized cost of $125 per person. You must register your guest and pay in advance when you register yourself. All guests must be 21+ and bring their photo ID.

Can I pay for my guest at the event? No. You must register and pay in advance upon registering online. No guests will be permitted to register on site.

Will there be food options available for those with dietary restrictions? We have worked closely with the Universal Studios Hollywood team to make sure there are options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. If you have specific allergies or restrictions beyond those listed, please let us know during the registration process.

Are you set up to meet my accessibility needs at KIPPStar? KIPP SoCal strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. KIPPStar will kick off in the Upper Lot, for Check-In and Program, and the After Party will take place on the Lower Lot. The path between the two lots is approximately a 10-minute walk. For anyone who may require assistance, there will be a shuttle between the two lots which will run continuously throughout the event. Should you have any specific accommodation requests, please let us know during the registration process. In addition, you can find ride information for the attractions here.

For any additional questions, please contact kippsocal@bdi-events.com